Illegal mining has destroyed water bodies and farm lands
The Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association is calling for the immediate dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, over his alleged involvement in illegal mining, commonly referred to as “Galamsey.”
This demand comes as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities in forest reserves.
In the Ashanti Region, which was once a safe haven for illegal miners and their armed thugs, the regional task force claims to have successfully secured the reserves and eradicated illegal mining activities there.
Speaking to Starr News, the President of the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Peprah, expressed outrage over Ayisi’s alleged links to illegal mining operations in forest reserves.
“The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission must be sacked immediately if the government is serious about tackling the Galamsey crisis,” Peprah said.
“These are the individuals responsible for issuing licenses in various offices. If we truly want to fight Galamsey, how can we launch a community mining scheme in forest reserves? Are we joking as a country? We claim to want to fight Galamsey, yet the very person who has exacerbated the issue is still in his position.”
Peprah pointed out that areas like Lake Bosomtwe are restricted, yet licenses continue to be granted in these zones, which should not be the case.
“According to mining laws, certain areas, including forest reserves, should be off-limits for small-scale mining. But people continue mining in these areas, and the Minerals Commission is to blame. If we are serious about solving this issue, this person must be removed immediately.”
Peprah also criticized the government’s failure to act, saying, “The government is trying to address the issue, but the very people responsible for the problem are still in their positions, collecting salaries while continuing to engage in illegal mining.”