In a document presented to parliament’s Government Assurance Committee, the CEO of Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi revealed that the government of former President John Dramani Mahama issued the highest number of licenses to small-scale miners which has contributed immensely to the mining challenges we face today.
This revelation by the Minerals Commission CEO to the Government Assurance Committee of parliament chaired by Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for the North Tongu Constituency has reignited discussions surrounding the management and regulation of the mining sector in Ghana, especially those regarding illegal mining known as Galamsey. He emphasized that the increased number of licenses granted during the tenure of former president John Dramani Mahama has contributed to the increasing dangers of Galamsey and mining challenges which we must not run away from.
In recent times, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and its agencies, including the Minerals Commission have faced severe backlash from CSOs, Organized Labor, Social Activists among others over the rising effects of irresponsible mining on the environment and local communities.
Mr. Ayisi highlighted that whiles small-scale mining plays a crucial role in economic growth, it is important to strike a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection. He also opposed the call for halting the issuance of new mining licenses since such a move could intensify the crises of illegal mining.