Lawyer Martin Kwaku Ayisi
Lawyer Martin Kwaku Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Minerals Commission, has issued a compelling call to Parliament, urging an increase in budget allocations for critical regulatory bodies to address the escalating illegal mining crisis, popularly known as galamsey. His remarks came during a public hearing conducted by the Committee on Government Assurance on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Responding to an inquiry from the Committee’s Chairman, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Mr. Ayisi outlined a clear proposal: the only viable route to tackling the galamsey menace is through substantial financial support for institutions such as the Geological Survey Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Minerals Commission itself. According to Ayisi, these agencies are currently operating under severe financial constraints, hampering their ability to effectively manage and mitigate the damage caused by illegal mining activities.
“It is fundamentally a budgetary issue,” Ayisi emphasized. “If Parliament could increase allocations to the Geological Survey and other key agencies within the sector, we would be in a better position to carry out our mandate and see real progress in combating illegal mining.”
The Minerals Commission CEO also pointed out that while there are existing funds available, they are often tied to specific projects with defined timelines. This limited scope, he argued, prevents these agencies from implementing long-term and comprehensive strategies against galamsey, which has become a pressing national concern.
During the hearing, members of the Committee on Government Assurance sought further clarification on the adequacy of existing funding sources. Ayisi clarified that although various streams of funding do exist, they are “project-specific and intended for a set duration,” making them insufficient for addressing the broader, long-term challenges that illegal mining presents.
The public hearing, which focused on the performance and challenges faced by selected ministries and agencies, highlighted the urgent need for a sustainable approach to the illegal mining crisis. With water bodies, forests, and communities increasingly affected by galamsey operations, Ayisi’s appeal for increased budgetary support is expected to spark further debate within Parliament and across the government.
As the environmental and economic stakes rise, the onus is now on lawmakers to consider whether to heed the call for increased financial support to these regulatory bodies. The Minerals Commission’s plea reflects the broader need for a coordinated national effort to curb galamsey activities and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and communities for the future.
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