The Minerals Commission, has launched the Minerals Cadaster Administration System (MCAS) online repository, to enhance access to information and to ensure natural resources transparency.
The repository, which is a web-based portal, would publish data directly from MCAS mining license management system for review by stakeholders, including ministries, departments and agencies, investors and mining companies, customs agencies and civil society groups.
[contextly_sidebar id=”MShCJjJKBRhNHSx1wIr90lNJPlbp1jdV”]The portal currently presents data in two datasets mining licenses and small scale mining licenses and could be used by different parts of the government for different types of reporting and compliance analysis.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer Minerals Commission, said the MCAS marked a significant beginning towards the process of changing the face of Mineral Rights Administration System from a semi-computerised one to a modern and fully GIS based computerised system.
He said the project would assist the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate of regulation and management of the utilisation of the mineral resources and the co-ordination of the policies in relation to them.
The current registry of mineral rights at the Minerals Commission is fragmented with a reliance on hardcopy documents that makes it difficult to administer, monitor and report on the status of mineral right applications and licenses systematically throughout their life cycle, he said.
Also, there are application processing delays because of long and complicated procedures while the current system does not support the tracking and monitoring of expected annual mineral right fees.
Dr. Aubynn said the project aims to help increase effectiveness, accountability and compliance in the management of mineral rights and related revenues.
It would also help improve access to information and increase transparency in Mineral Rights Administration and Associated Revenues.
Mr. Adrian Cutler, Australian Deputy High Commissioner, said the implementation of a license administration system for the mining sector in Ghana is a key strategic initiative in the process of making Ghana’s resources sector more attractive to investors.
He said the project would increase the accuracy and efficiency of the current system, improving transparency and certainty for investors and improving revenue compliance throughout the sector for the government.
“All this will create greater confidence in the system of administering mineral rights for investors and the government alike,” Mr. Cutler said.
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Source: GNA