About GGSA

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority was established as an Authority of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in accordance with Ghana Geological Service Act, 2016 (Act 928).

Our Profile

Mandate

The Authority derives its mandate from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority Act, 2016 (Act 928).

Mission

The GGSA exists to advise the State to make informed decisions on geoscientific issues..

Vsion

To be a world class geoscientific resource centre

PROFILE OF THE AUTHORITY

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority was established as an Authority of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in accordance with Ghana Geological Service Act, 2016 (Act 928). to advise, promote and research on geoscientific issues concerning mineral resources, groundwater, environment, geo-hazards and land use planning to support sustainable economic development in Ghana

Our Core Values

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Professionalism

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Integrity

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Result

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Continuous Improvement

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Collaboration

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Openness

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Innovation

Vision

To be a world-class geoscientific resource Centre

Mandate

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority is mandated by the GGSA Act, 2016 (Act 928) to advise, promote and research on geoscientific issues concerning mineral resources, groundwater, environment, geo-hazards and land use planning to support sustainable economic development in Ghana.

 

Mission Statement

The GGSA exists to advise the State to make informed decisions on geoscientific issues concerning mineral resources, groundwater, environment, geo-hazards and land use planning through innovative geoscientific research, investigations and provision of geoscientific data and information in a user-friendly way to the government, industry and the public at large with dedicated and motivated staff.

Background

The Authority was established as the Gold Cost Geological Survey (GGS) in 1913 by the then colonial administration under the directorship of Sir Albert Kitson. The main objective of the then GGS was to investigate and establish more exactly the extent and quality of both existing and yet undeveloped areas of mining activity and to prepare for their exploitation to foster national development. The first Office of the GGS was located at the River Ankobra Junction at Prestea in the Western Region. The GGS moved to a more spacious Office at Saltpond in the Central Region in 1946. In 1962, the GGS was moved to Accra where major policy decisions on mining and related policies were taken.

 

After the amendment of the Civil Service Regulations, 1961(L.I. 159), Part I of the First Schedule of the Civil Service Regulations, 1961 was deleted and the GGS was dissolved. The survey Act in 1962 then established the erstwhile Geological Survey Department (GSD) after the dissolution of the GGS. In 14th September 2016, the GSD was upgraded into an Authority by converting it into the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) with the coming into force of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority Act, 2016 (Act 928).
The Authority operates in collaborations and continues to develop partnerships with Government Agencies, Mineral Exploration Industry, Academia and Research, and other geoscience agencies.

Objectives of the GGSA

The objects of the Authority are to:

  • Carry out systematic geological mapping, assess, monitor and evaluate geological hazards and risks, collect geoscientific data, manage and disseminate geoscientific information;
  • Promote the search for, and exploitation of, minerals in the Republic, undertake in the field of geoscience and furnish specialised geoscientific services
  • Conduct research into matters of importance for the exploration, exploitation and protection of the nation’s geological and geoscientific natural resources; and 
  • Conduct site, foundation or geotechnical investigations and issues reports as pre-requisites for major construction projects in the country.

Functions of the Authority

To achieve the objects, the Authority shall;

  • Advise the Government on matters related to geology, geo-hazards and the search for and exploitation and development of mineral resources in the country;
  • Conduct geological, geochemical, geophysical, seismological, hydrological, geochemical, and geo-environmental survey, mineral exploration, systematic mapping of rocks and other geological or geoscience materials including soil and clays of the country including its offshore areas;
  • Develop and maintain a National Seismic Network to monitor earthquakes, tsunamis and blasts that have the potential to impact negatively on persons and property in the country and for optimum land-use planning;
  • Serve as a national repository for geoscientific data and information generated by public and private entities including mining and mineral exploration companies which operate in the country;
  • Conduct site or foundation investigations and issue certified reports prior to major construction works or projects that have the potential to impact on the subsurface structure, socio-economic, cultural and aesthetic environment;
  • Conduct ground surveys or airborne surveys, take samples and make boring necessary for the conduct of investigations and preparation of relevant reports to assist with national development;
  • Liaise with relevant public agencies involved in land-use planning for sustainable use of the special environment in Ghana;
  • Perform the functions and undertake investigations that the Minister may assign to the Authority;
  • Perform any other functions conferred on it by this Act or that are ancillary to the achievement of the objectives of the Authority.

Promotion of Research

 For the purposes of the promotion of research, the Authority shall;

  • Undertake research in the field of mineral exploration and prospecting on behalf of the Republic, a government institution, a private institution or an individual;
  • Carry out geoscientific research such as geological, geochemical, geophysical, seismological, geotechnical, hydrological, and geo-environmental activities or mapping to meet national development objectives and to also attract investment into the mining and related sectors of the national economy;
  • Undertake joint research projects and co-operate with educational institutions and scientific or technical societies for the promotion of the education and training of researchers, technical experts and supporting personnel; and
  • Undertake geoscientific investigations or research as the Minister may assign to the Authority.

Company Profile

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority was established as an Authority of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in accordance with Ghana Geological Service Act, 2016 (Act 928)

Contact

No. 6 Mayor Road, Ridge Accra.
Box M80, Ministries Branch. Accra

Tel: +233 050 940 2534

Email: info@ggsa.gov.gh / geosurvey@ggsa.gov.gh