Minerals and Mining Act, 1986 (P.N.C.D.I. 153).

Mineral riches present in the territory, EEZ and Continental Shelf of Ghana are vested in the President (sect. 1). Section 2 allows for compulsory acquisition of land for development of mineral resources. Section 4 secures a right of the Government of pre-emption. A Chief Inspector of Mines shall be appointed under section 9. Functions of this officer are outlined in section 10. Sections 14 and following concern granting of mineral rights and other licenses. Section 21 concerns a license to divert water. Section 32 and following provide for reconnaissance and prospecting. A mining lease may be requested by a holder of a prospecting license under section 44. Section 61 concerns the mining of radio-active minerals. The holder of a mineral right shall exercise his rights under this Act subject to such limitations relating to “surface rights” as the Secretary of Lands and Natural Resources may prescribe (sect. 70). Section 72 introduces a general requirement to have regard to the environment. Regulation making powers of the Secretary are defined in section 83. (87 sections).