The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has cautioned against imposing a total ban on small-scale mining in Ghana, arguing that such a measure would unfairly penalize legal operators.
Testifying before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, Ayisi stressed the importance of targeting illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey,” rather than punishing all small-scale miners indiscriminately.
He emphasized that many miners are operating within the confines of the law.
“A blanket ban on small-scale mining would mean prohibiting everyone from engaging in this activity, regardless of their compliance with regulations,” Ayisi explained. “While I understand the public’s frustration with galamsey, it would be unjust to punish law-abiding miners for the actions of a few.”
Ayisi’s statement comes amid growing calls for a complete ban on all forms of mining in Ghana, driven by concerns over the devastating environmental impact of illegal mining.
Organised Labour, among other groups, has expressed strong opposition to galamsey and has threatened a nationwide strike on October 10 to protest the government’s perceived inaction on the issue.
