Miners Accuse Minerals Commission CEO of Undermining Environmental Reforms

The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to remove Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission.

At a press conference in Kumasi, the Association accused Mr. Ayisi of failing to support the government’s fight against illegal mining and efforts to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.

According to the Association’s President, Mr. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, Mr. Ayisi has been granting mining permits that allow operations in forest reserves and near river bodies actions they say are damaging the environment and polluting water sources.

“These are the same harmful practices that took place under the previous government. Continuing them now goes against the current administration’s environmental reform goals,” Mr. Peprah said.

The Association, which represents a significant number of licensed small-scale miners in Ghana, believes Mr. Ayisi’s leadership does not align with the government’s commitment to responsible mining.

They are urging the President to appoint a new leader who will support environmental protection and empower legal small-scale miners to operate responsibly.