The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana (NCSSMAG), has called on President John Dramani Mahama to remove Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission.
The group are citing what it describes as a failure to support government efforts to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable practices in the sector.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi, President of the Association, Mr. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, accused Mr. Ayisi of undermining the government’s environmental reforms by granting mining leases that allow operations in forest reserves and on river bodies activities the group says have contributed to widespread environmental degradation and water pollution under previous administration creating problems for the current government.
“These are the same practices that occurred under the previous administration, and continuing them threatens the integrity of ongoing reforms,” Mr. Peprah said.
The Association, which represents a large segment of Ghana’s licensed small-scale miners, believes that Mr. Ayisi’s continued leadership is incompatible with the government’s agenda to promote responsible mining.
They argue that a change in leadership at the Minerals Commission is necessary to align the institution with a renewed national strategy focused on environmental protection and the empowerment of legal small-scale miners.
“As major stakeholders, we firmly believe that retaining Mr. Ayisi will derail the government’s vision for a reformed and regulated mining sector,” Mr. Peprah added.
“The restructuring must begin at the top, and that means the immediate dismissal of Mr. Ayisi.”
The group is urging the government to appoint a new CEO who demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainable mining, environmental stewardship, and effective collaboration with small-scale miners across the country.
The call comes amid ongoing debates about the role of regulatory bodies in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and environmental degradation.
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Source : www.kumasimail.com
