The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has voiced concerns over recent calls for an outright ban on small-scale mining in Ghana.
While appearing before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, Ayisi argued that implementing a blanket ban would be unjust.
He noted that it would disproportionately affect small-scale miners who are operating legally and following regulations.
Ayisi stressed the importance of targeting illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, instead of indiscriminately penalizing all miners.
According to Ayisi, enforcement efforts should focus on those violating the law, while supporting and promoting responsible mining practices among compliant operators.
“When you say ban small-scale mining, in my understanding, it means that don’t allow anybody to do it lawfully. I understand the situation and the anger of Ghanaians but the people who have sunk a borehole will be punished because folks along the Pra, Birim, and co are misbehaving”.
Martin Ayisi
Ayisi indicated that he advised the government and informed the Minister of Natural Resources that implementing a wholesale ban on small-scale mining would not be appropriate.
He elaborated that such a ban could have detrimental effects on the livelihoods of many miners who operate legally and contribute to the economy.
Instead, Ayisi emphasized the importance of developing targeted regulations that focus on addressing illegal mining activities while supporting responsible practices among compliant miners.
He indicated that by doing so, the government can balance the need for regulation with the economic benefits that small-scale mining brings to communities.
However, numerous associations and unions, including Organised Labour, have voiced their strong opposition to the illegal mining crisis and have called for a complete ban on all forms of mining.
Organized Labour has announced a strike scheduled for October 10, citing the government’s failure to effectively address this issue and protect Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Ayisi Rejects Suspension of New Mining Licenses
Furthermore, Martin Ayisi opposed calls to suspend the issuance of new mining licenses in response to demands for government action against all forms of illegal mining.
He argued that such a measure could potentially worsen the illegal mining crisis rather than effectively resolve it, leading to further economic challenges for legitimate operators.
He made these comments in response to calls from civil society groups and environmentalists urging the government to revoke L.I. 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves, and to cease granting new licenses to mining companies.
Ayisi argued that if licenses were not granted, it would drive individuals into illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” as a means to continue their livelihoods.
According to the Minerals Commission CEO, this shift could further exacerbate environmental degradation and undermine the government’s efforts to regulate the sector responsibly.
“When you don’t give them the licenses, what they would do is that – they would go and do it illegally. To say that we shouldn’t grant licenses, that would be a problem”.
Martin Ayisi
He also highlighted that delays in the issuance of mining licenses significantly contribute to the illegal mining problem, stressing that withholding licenses would only worsen the situation.
Ayisi stated that prolonging the licensing process, legitimate miners are forced into desperation, often leading them to engage in illegal activities to sustain their livelihoods and support their families, ultimately exacerbating the challenges faced by the mining sector as a whole.
Mr. Ayisi further acknowledged that even licensed companies do not consistently adhere to mining regulations, highlighting the necessity for stringent monitoring and evaluation.
He also noted the persistence of illegal mining activities, mentioning that galamsey was occurring behind a police station in Anyinam, Atiwa East District, and expressed concern that the police have yet to take action to address the situation.
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