Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has opposed calls for a moratorium on issuing new mining licenses, warning that such a move could unintentionally intensify illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. Ayisi made these remarks while testifying before Parliament’s Assurance Committee on October 7, 2024, amidst ongoing debates about the government’s handling of illegal mining.
Ayisi’s comments come in response to demands from civil society organizations and environmentalists urging the revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves. These groups argue that halting new licenses could help mitigate environmental degradation. However, Ayisi believes this approach would have the opposite effect, pushing individuals towards unregulated, illegal mining.
“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,” Ayisi argued. He explained that a lack of formal licensing could leave potential miners with no legal alternative but to engage in galamsey, worsening the very crisis the moratorium seeks to address.
Ayisi also pointed out that delays in the licensing process are contributing to the illegal mining problem. He emphasized that expediting the issuance of licenses, combined with robust monitoring of mining operations, would help manage the situation more effectively. Even licensed mining companies, Ayisi noted, sometimes fail to comply with regulations, underscoring the need for greater oversight and enforcement.
He further criticized law enforcement for their inaction on illegal mining activities, citing an instance of galamseyhappening behind a police station in Anyinam, Atiwa East District. “This shows how urgent the need is for a stronger crackdown on illegal operations,” Ayisi added, highlighting that proper regulation and enforcement, not merely halting licenses, would address the root of the crisis.
Ayisi’s stance suggests that rather than stopping new licenses, a more balanced approach, involving quicker and more transparent licensing processes along with rigorous enforcement, would be more effective in curbing illegal mining and protecting the environment.
