Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, has affirmed that small-scale mining in Ghana is strictly for Ghanaians.
While addressing the Assurance Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, 2024, he stressed that any participation by foreign nationals in small-scale mining activities is against the law.
“The small-scale mining is open to Ghanaians only, so any foreigner who is involved in small-scale mining is illegal,” Mr. Ayisi asserted.
He cited important laws, specifically Acts 900 and 995, that ban foreign involvement in this industry, emphasizing that even attempting to recruit foreigners for small-scale mining operations qualifies as illegal mining.
“It is strictly for Ghanaians, whether a man, woman, or adult. The large-scale mining is open to everybody, including foreigners,” Mr. Ayisi clarified.
In tackling the widespread problem of illegal small-scale mining, often referred to as “galamsey,” Mr. Ayisi disclosed that this activity has expanded to about 12 or 13 regions in Ghana.
He offered background information by stating that at the time he became part of the commission, small-scale mining was limited to just five regions: Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Western, and Upper East.
Highlighting the persistent challenges in regulating the sector, he stated: “To delve into our biggest challenge, I will be very blunt with the committee: until that problem is resolved, galamsey will not end.”
Although multiple laws have been established since 1989 to regulate small-scale mining, he pointed out that their enforcement has been weakened over time.
Mr. Ayisi also recounted the privatisation of state-owned mines during the Kwasi Botchwey era, saying: “We sold Tarkwa, we sold Prestea, we sold Dunkwa Continental, Akwatia mines, all of them were sold.”
He stated that this historical mismanagement has played a major role in the ongoing issues plaguing the mining sector.