The President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum, Mr. Yahaya Alhassan, has called on the government to dismiss the Head of the Minerals Commission, Mr.Martin Kwaku Ayisi, over alleged corruption scandals and administrative malfeasance.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, Mr.
Alhassan questioned why Mr. Ayisi remains in office despite the allegations, stating that his continued tenure undermines the change Ghanaians voted for.
He accused Mr. Ayisi of fast-tracking the issuance of 300 mining licenses to political affiliates without proper due diligence. As a result, he urged the Office of the President to launch an immediate investigation and revoke these questionable licenses.
Mr. Alhassan further criticized Mr. Ayisi’s leadership, blaming him for overseeing what he described as the worst era of illegal mining (galamsey), which has led to severe water pollution across the country. He called on the government to act swiftly, emphasizing that Ghanaians deserve transparent governance and accountability in the management of the nation’s mineral resources.
He also urged the government to appoint experienced and technically skilled professionals to lead the Minerals Commission, rather than individuals lacking expertise, particularly as the country continues to struggle with challenges in the mining sector, including illegal small-scale mining.
Mr. Alhassan made some Key Concerns: and Recommendations:
1. Need for Expertise:
The Forum emphasizes the importance of appointing individuals with extensive experience in the mining sector, such as; Former Chief Executives and other seasoned professionals.
Technical experts are crucial to addressing the ongoing scandals and challenges within the sector, including galamsey and its detrimental impacts.
2. SECTORAL IMPORTANCE:
The mining industry is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy and requires proven professionals to restore credibility and ensure sustainable development.
3. PROPOSED MEASURES FOR ADDRESSING GALAMSEY:
1. Monitoring and Enforcement:
Design and implement systems to track illegal mining activities and identify hotspots for enforcement action.
ii. Environmental Protection:
Conduct environmental impact assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and enforce guidelines for operators.
iii. Stakeholder Engagement:
Facilitate community outreach, provide training, and support operators in complying with
THE IMPACT OF GALAMSEY
Illegal small-scale mining has caused widespread water pollution, land degradation, and deforestation across Ghana, posing significant threats to the environment and local communities. The Forum believes that appointing a technical expert with industry knowledge can help mitigate these issues effectively.
The New Ghana Social Justice Forum urges the president-elect to prioritise the appointment of experienced professionals to lead the Mineral Commission. This, they believe, will enhance the Commission’s ability to address mining
challenges and contribute to building a better
Ghana.
Source: New Ghana Social Justice Forum
