THE VICISSITUDES OF MINERAL POLICY IN GHANA

Since colonial times, mineral policy in Ghana has concentrated on gold , diamonds, bauxite and manganese for export, After Ghana obtained ind ependence from Britain in 1957, the basic framework of mineral rights was revised and a new regime established, The state became owner of mi nerals in the ground. State enterprises were involved in production an d marketing of minerals, A restrictive exchange control regime and hig h fiscal imposts affected the mining sector. A radical change of polic y has occurred since 1983, aimed at encouraging and regulating both la rge and small-scale mining for export, An increased portion of revenue from mining is being allocated to the communities directly affected b y the operations, Consideration is being given to the development of i ndustrial minerals for local use or processing, (C) 1997 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd.