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Civil society organizations and environmental advocates are calling for the immediate removal of Martin Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, citing a failure to enforce responsible mining practices.
In a statement, the groups accused the Commission’s leadership of failing to protect Ghana’s natural resources and communities from the devastating effects of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
They urged the government to appoint a visionary leader who prioritizes sustainability, transparency, and strict enforcement of mining regulations.
“The current leadership has not demonstrated the commitment needed to safeguard our environment and people from the reckless exploitation of our mineral wealth. We need bold and decisive action, not half-measures,” the statement read.
A Rocha Ghana, Kasa Initiative Ghana, Nature and Development Foundation and the Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape are the groups leading this charge.
The call comes as Ghana continues to grapple with widespread environmental degradation, polluted water bodies, and long-term health risks caused by illegal mining.
The groups emphasized that under successive governments, attempts to curb galamsey have largely failed due to weak enforcement and a lenient approach toward offenders.
With a new National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led government now in place, the statement urged authorities to abandon past failed strategies and take a tougher stance against illegal miners and complicit officials.
“The time for kid-glove approaches is over. Illegal miners are holding entire communities’ hostage, and this crisis demands uncompromising action. We must hold all responsible parties accountable—within and outside government,” the statement added.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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