The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, has said that small-scale mining in Ghana is exclusively for Ghanaians.<\/p>\n During a session before the Assurance Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, 2024, he reiterated that any foreign involvement in small-scale mining is illegal.<\/p>\n \u201cThe small-scale mining is open to Ghanaians only, so any foreigner who is involved in small-scale mining is illegal,\u201d Mr. Ayisi asserted.<\/p>\n He referenced key legislation, particularly Acts 900 and 995, which prohibit foreign engagement in this sector, noting that even soliciting foreigners for small-scale mining activities constitutes illegal mining.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is strictly for Ghanaians, whether a man, woman, or adult. The large-scale mining is open to everybody, including foreigners,\u201d Mr. Ayisi clarified.<\/p>\n Addressing the rampant issue of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” Mr. Ayisi revealed that this practice has spread across approximately 12 or 13 regions in Ghana.<\/p>\n He provided context by explaining that when he joined the commission, only five regions \u2014 Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Western, and Upper East\u2014were involved in small-scale mining.<\/p>\n Highlighting the persistent challenges in regulating the sector, he stated: \u201cTo delve into our biggest challenge, I will be very blunt with the committee: until that problem is resolved, galamsey will not end.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite several laws being enacted since 1989 to manage small-scale mining, he noted that their implementation has been undermined over the years.<\/p>\n Mr. Ayisi also recounted the privatisation of state-owned mines during the Kwasi Botchwey era, saying: \u201cWe sold Tarkwa, we sold Prestea, we sold Dunkwa Continental, Akwatia mines, all of them were sold.\u201d<\/p>\n He indicated that this historical mismanagement has significantly contributed to the current challenges facing the mining industry.<\/p>\n Watch the latest edition of BizHeadlines below:<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Small-scale](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/820\/82026943.295.jpg\" "\\"Small-scale")
Small-scale miners at work<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n