Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has expressed frustration over the lack of response from the police regarding numerous reports submitted about illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
Mr Martin Ayisi lamented that despite the Commission’s ongoing efforts to combat the rampant issue threatening Ghana’s natural resources and water bodies, law enforcement has consistently failed to act on the documented instances of illegal mining.
In a public hearing before Parliament’s Assurance Committee on October 7, he indicated that officers at the Anyinam Police Station have time without number been informed of mining activities happening behind their edifice, however, no step has been taken by the security officers to address the issue.
He remarked, “We have reported severally that behind Anyinam Police Station people are doing some there which we have not permitted. So how come the Police is not taking action? So it’s like we have told you galamsey is happening…respectfully, the Minerals Commission has done its work.”
“I am not saying we have also not let the government down or we are hundred percent right. I have told you that there are instances that people have the licenses and have made mistakes. That is why there are inspectors Once the Minerals Commission makes it known to the appropriate institution that this person, people are working here in the night, our job ends there,” Mr Ayisi added.
Mr. Ayisi stated that seeking additional authority to bear arms would necessitate changes in government policies, which would be excessive for the Commission. He pointed out the numerous water bodies in the country, and questioned how individuals without licenses are still accessing forests, despite the Forestry Commission already having the power to bear arms.
“If we have to seek for more powers to bear arms and all those things, then government policies would have to change and that would be too much for us. Look at the number of water bodies in this country, respectively Forestry Commission bears arms so how are people entering the forests to do what they are doing when they don’t have licenses. I will not ask government to give us powers to go and bear arms. If anything, Minerals Commission needs resources, which I am getting anyway. No one can say it is enough,” he said.
The Minerals Commission Act of 1993, Act 450, outlines the essential functions of the Commission. Among its primary responsibilities is the formulation of recommendations for national policy concerning the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, emphasizing the establishment of national priorities while considering the national economy. The Commission is also tasked with advising the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources on various mineral-related matters and monitoring the implementation of government policies on minerals, providing reports to the Minister as necessary.
Additionally, the Commission monitors the operations of all entities responsible for minerals and is responsible for receiving and assessing public agreements related to mineral resources, reporting these findings to Parliament. It aims to establish a solid foundation for comprehensive data collection on the nation’s mineral resources and the technologies involved in their exploration and exploitation, which is crucial for informed national decision-making. The Commission may also perform other functions as assigned by the Minister.
To fulfill these responsibilities, the Commission engages in several activities. These include investigating the background of mineral rights applications, processing these applications, and recommending their approval or denial to the Minister responsible for Mines. The Commission reviews agreements concerning minerals and collects, collates, and analyzes data related to the operations of mining companies to aid in decision-making and dissemination.
The Ghana Police Service has several key functions that are crucial to maintaining peace and security within the country. Primarily, the Service is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, ensuring that potential criminal activities are thwarted before they occur and that existing crimes are investigated effectively. Additionally, the apprehension and prosecution of offenders form a vital part of the Service’s responsibilities, as it works to bring individuals who violate the law to justice.
Another critical function of the Ghana Police Service is the maintenance of law and order. This involves managing public gatherings, controlling riots or disturbances, and ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights peacefully. Furthermore, the Service is dedicated to the protection of life and property, working to create a safe environment for all citizens.
The overarching mandate of the Ghana Police Service is to protect and preserve the internal security of the country through effective law enforcement. By fulfilling its functions, the Service aims to foster a sense of safety and security, contributing to the overall stability and well-being of Ghanaian society.