During a public hearing held on October 7, 2024, the Assurances Committee of Parliament highlighted the dire impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s water bodies.
The committee’s chairman, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, presented samples of polluted water collected from 13 rivers and streams to the CEO of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi. Notably, only the Volta River remained unpolluted, while all other rivers visited such as Subri River, River Offin, and Oda River had been severely affected by irresponsible mining activities.
Mr Ablakwa urged Ayisi to reconsider the Minerals Commission’s position, which currently opposes the widespread calls from Ghanaians to ban all forms of small-scale mining.
He also called for an immediate halt to the recommendation of new mining licenses to the Lands Minister. The committee expressed concern over the lack of adequate support for the Minerals Commission from security services in their efforts to combat illegal mining.
Mr Ayisi revealed that despite numerous reports filed about illegal mining activities, including ongoing operations near the Anyinam Police Station in the Atiwa East District, little action has been taken to address these issues. He emphasized the frustration felt by the Commission, as many reports have gone unheeded, allowing destructive galamsey activities to continue unchecked.
In response to the committee’s inquiries, Mr Ayisi promised to investigate several concerns, including reports of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) obtaining mining licenses within their jurisdictions. He is expected to present the findings of these investigations to the committee in due course.