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Governing Board of Minerals Commission inspects ongoing Infrastructure Projects
On August 19, 2025, the Governing Board of Minerals Commission led by the Board Chairman, His Excellency, William Ntow Boahene, visited the newly constructed Tamale Regional Office. The main objective of the visit was to assess progress of work and address challenges in the ongoing regional development initiative by meeting with the contractor and consultant overseeing the project in the Northern Region. The Board also held an interactive session with staff at the Tamale Regional Office.
Upon arrival, Mr. Frederick Gyebi, the Tamale Regional Manager, welcomed the Board and introduced the staff. He highlighted the main challenge of accommodation and expressed excitement about the Board’s visit to the project site and the opportunity to meet staff and address their concerns.
The Board Chairman, Mr. Boahene, introduced the members of the Board present and informed staff that the accommodation problem would be resolved before the close of 2025.
In his opening address, he underscored the importance of the visit, stating “Our presence here today is to engage staff and know at first hand their challenges so that solutions can be proffered and this reflects the Board’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the growth and development of the Commission through decentralisation”. He urged staff to freely express their views and share insights on their working conditions in the office.
Some of the concerns raised by staff included: dangers of working in the field where people carry guns, posing a risk and sometimes creating fear, and its adverse impact on effective monitoring and delivery of service; absence of personal protective equipment (PPEs); delay in payment of field allowances; and prefinancing of travel, accommodation and other expenses among others.
Hon. Prof. Hamza Adam (MP), a Board member, stated that there would be rewards for hardworking staff going forward. Responses from other board members, include Hon. Emelia Ankomah (MP), who reassured staff that the Board Finance Committee is reviewing all financial documentation and will come up with what is best for all staff. On the other hand, Prof. Gordon Foli encouraged staff to be committed to quality service delivery and avoid any acts of unprofessionalism.
Mr. Boahene highlighted the urgent need to decentralize and improve work output. He wondered why car repairs and requisition are centralized and promised to resolve this situation in the short term. He stated that the Board would review and design a clear organogram and proper segregation of duties to enhance the work at the Commission.
Nana Yaa Gyandoh I, another Board member, cautioned staff that “while they look at improving the work environment and conditions of service, it is their collective responsibility to protect the Commission, and there should not be cases of bribery and corruption.’’ We are here to collaborate with staff and work in the interest of Commission and the country at large, she added.
Nana Gyandoh I emphasized the importance of the contractor adhering to high-quality standards while also meeting the project delivery timeline. The contractor was instructed to replace all wooden doors as directed by the project consultants.
Mr. Ernest Osei Tutu, Principal Consultant representing the Fasota Limited, took the board delegation on a tour of the 5-storey edifice and stated that the project is about 93% completed. The remaining works are mainly buying fittings and fixing items. On the part of the Contractor, Mr. Osman Mujeeb, Managing Director of Savannah Grande Company Limited, assured the Board that the project will be handed over by October 31, 2025.
During the facility tour, several Board members expressed concerns based on their observations. They noted issues related to the low quality of painting standards, gaps in some washrooms, deficiencies in filler and joinery work, and a pungent smell on the third floor.
Mr. Boahene, the Board Chairman, reiterated the Board’s commitment to collaborating closely with contractors and local stakeholders to eliminate bottlenecks and deliver projects that foster a conducive work environment for staff. He emphasized that the construction of the Tamale Regional Office is a key component of the Commission’s decentralization plan, aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in mineral resource management. Additionally, Mr. Boahene highlighted that the office would serve as a vital hub for mineral regulation in the Northern Region, providing accessible services to mining companies and local communities.
The Board’s visit to Tamale follows previous visits to Bole and Damongo, where they paid respects to traditional leaders and bereaved families, reinforcing cultural ties and community solidarity. The tour will continue to Kumasi for further discussions with regional officials and project stakeholders.
The Tamale segment of the delegation’s tour underscores the Board’s commitment to infrastructure development and staff welfare. With strong assurances from contractors and proactive oversight from the Commission’s Board, the Northern Region is set to experience accelerated progress in its key projects.
Present at the site meeting were staff from Legal Directorate of the Head Office, Mr. Emmanuel Frimpong Nketia, Deputy Manager, Estates, Mr. Emmanuel K. Agyare, Senior Officer, Corporate Affairs and Officials from the Regional Office among others. Also in attendance were Dr. K. Twumasi-Ampofo, Project Architect and Mr. Kingdom Ametepe, Project Quantity Surveyor.
END.
