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The Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi has disagreed with demands to stop issuing new mining licenses despite calls for the government to take action against illegal mining in all its forms.
In his opinion, taking such action may worsen the illegal mining crisis.
In accordance with requests from civil society groups and environmentalists, he responded by stating that the government should rescind L.I. 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves, and refrain from issuing new licenses to mining companies.
When Ayisi testified before the Assurance Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, he stated that denying licenses could lead people to turn to illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” in order to keep operating.
“When you don’t give them the licenses, what they would do is that – they would go and to do it illegally. To say that we shouldn’t grant licenses, that would be a problem,” he argued.
He further emphasized that the illegal mining issue is exacerbated by delays in issuing mining permits and warned that refusing to issue licenses would make the situation worse.
Mr Ayisi also admitted that licensed companies sometimes fail to follow mining regulations, emphasizing the importance of rigorous monitoring and assessment.
Moreover, he highlighted continuous illegal mining operations, particularly stating that ‘galamsey’ was occurring near a police station in Anyinam, Atiwa East District without any action taken by the authorities.
NKONKONSA.com
