An alarm has been blown on the cover of the CEO of the Minerals Commission Martin Ayisi who is still at post despite the change in government.
It will be recalled, that Martin Ayisi was accused of fighting against the calls for a ban on galamsey.
There is mounting pressure from some members of the NDC who have questioned why Martin Ayisi is still at post following the rising illegal mining menace under his watch pointing fingers at his regulatory shortcomings.
The issue of galamsey before the 2024 election was a very topical aspect of the elections and contributed to the downfall of the NPP and flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Martin Ayisi was accused of consistently voicing his opposition to recent demands for a complete ban on small-scale mining in Ghana, specifically targeting illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
Even in the face of the massive devastation of Ghana’s natural environment, Mr Ayisi continues to resist and fight against calls for a total ban on illegal mining and scale mining. Mr Ayisi has been on media advocating against the ban which left many wondering and questioning his intention towards the country.
During his appearance before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, Ayisi argued against a blanket ban, which he believes would unfairly impact legal small-scale miners who are operating within the bounds of the law. He emphasized that the key issue lies with illegal operations, and a wholesale ban would unjustly punish those who are adhering to regulations.
Quite recently, Michael Kojo Peprah the president of the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association called on President John Mahama to immediately boot out Mr Ayisi.
According to Michael Kojo Peprah, Mr Ayisi’s remaining in office is a threat to the Mahama government’s fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.
Michael Kojo Peprah accused the CEO of the Minerals Commission of releasing forest reserves to NPP politicians during former President Nana Addo’s tenure.
The Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association issued a two-week ultimatum to President John Mahama to boot out Martin Ayisi from office or face demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Minerals Commission has been fingered as a double agent for funding both the National Democratic Congress(NDC) and the New Patriotic Paty (NPP) in the 2024 election despite being appointed by former President Akufo-Addo.
According to reports, there have been countless claims levelled against Martin Ayisi for funding both political heavyweights in the run-up to the December polls.
The reports suggest the Minerals Commission CEO made some financial contributions and also donated several pick-up vehicles to both the NPP and the NDC.
Sources within the NPP claim Martin Kwaku Ayisi was the NPP’s biggest financier in the Oti Region where he comes from. They have however expressed shock as he is still at post despite the new government coming in for over 3 months now.
The NPP party supporters according to reports, feel deceived after they claim Martin Ayisi is helping the Mahama government to establish its Goldboard initiative which they have tagged as corrupt.
Within the National Democratic Congress, however, the information gathered suggests that Martin Ayisi significantly funded the Mahama campaign which rumours suggest has placed John Mahama in a tight spot and feel indebted to retain him at the post for at least six months or more.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama is yet to respond to the two-week ultimatum issued by the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, as the country’s environment and natural resources are under threat of the galamsey menace will the President sack Ayisi, the Minerals Commission boss who was fighting “ban galamsey” calls to cement his commitment it fights illegal mining, Ghanaians wait to see.
