Kitase: Mr Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, has stated that addressing illegal mining in Ghana is a long-term effort that cannot be achieved overnight. He emphasized that while the issue is deeply rooted, several strategic measures have already been implemented to combat this challenge and promote responsible mining practices nationwide.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ayisi explained that the problem has persisted for nearly 30 years, and resolving it overnight would be unrealistic. He noted that most mining sites have been visited, and efforts are underway to formalize their operations. Mr Ayisi made these remarks during a media interview on the sidelines of a stakeholder engagement on the review of Ghana's 2014 Mining Policy and proposed legal amendments held in Kitase in the Eastern Region. The workshop, organized by the Minerals Commission, aimed to build the capacity of journalists and enhance their understanding of the Commission's operations.
Mr Ayisi stated that the Minerals Commission has no issues with lawful miners and has intensified regulation efforts. This includes plans to collaborate closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many miners operating without proper licenses or approvals have been identified, and steps are being taken to grant them the necessary authorization. Initiatives such as cooperative mining schemes are being rolled out to formalize these miners and regulate corporate mining sites where unauthorized operations are common.
He emphasized the need for the country to invest in geological investigations and adhere to designated mining block-out areas. This focused approach is essential for Ghana's sustainable mining future. According to Mr Ayisi, 90 percent of the solution to tackling illegal mining lies in identifying suitable areas for miners to operate. Determining whether an area is viable requires thorough geological investigations, which the country must prioritize to prevent ongoing issues.
Mr Ayisi noted that if designated mining areas were provided, about 70 percent of the problem could be resolved since authorities would know where miners are operating. This would allow for proper regulation, discourage harmful chemical use, and improve gold production tracking. He indicated that this initiative has already begun and represents a significant step forward.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms to Ghana's 2014 mining policy and nearly 20-year-old mining laws. These updates aim to address emerging global trends, national circumstances, new policies, the rise of medium-scale mining, and efforts to promote indigenization in the sector. Mr Ayisi criticized the practice of companies holding mining leases for 30 years, noting that most mines have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The government plans to reduce the duration of prospecting licenses to encourage active work and free up areas for small-scale miners.
Furthermore, Mr Ayisi highlighted that many past development agreements were detrimental to the nation, citing issues with stabilization clauses that hinder progress. To address this, community development agreements will now be mandatory, requiring companies to collaborate with local chiefs and allocate at least 1 percent of their annual profits to fund community projects. These reforms aim to indigenize the sector, remove unhelpful contracts, and improve the overall regulatory framework.
A participant, Patience Tawiah, told the Ghana News Agency that the training helped her understand the importance of investing in geological surveys to accurately identify mineral deposits, which is essential for promoting responsible mining practices within communities.