Suspending Mining Licenses Won’t End Galamsey, Warns Minerals Commission CEO

The Minerals Commission has expressed its opposition to suspending the issuance of mining licenses as a strategy to tackle illegal mining, stating that such delays in processing licenses actually worsen the problem.

According to the Commission, delays drive individuals towards illegal mining, which severely harms waterbodies and forest reserves.

During a meeting with the Government Assurance Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, Minerals Commission CEO Martin Ayisi explained that while curbing illegal mining is crucial, stalling the issuance of licenses for legitimate miners creates a void that illegal operators exploit.

“When my minister assumed office in 2021, he told me that delays in issuing licenses were contributing to the problem. So, we streamlined the process by moving it online. What used to take a year can now be done in a week or two. We conduct inspections, and they proceed legally. But when licenses are withheld, people will resort to illegal mining. Even with licenses, not everything is perfect," Ayisi noted.

He also addressed calls for an outright ban on small-scale mining in Ghana, stating that such a move would be inappropriate.

“A total ban would mean not allowing anyone to mine legally. I understand the frustration of Ghanaians, but this would unfairly punish those who follow the rules because of the misconduct of others along rivers like the Pra and Birim.

“These are the challenges we face, and I’ve advised the government and my minister that a blanket ban is not the right approach,” he concluded.