Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, has cautioned of severe consequences to Ghana’s economy if the government rushes in its decision to halt small-scale mining operations.

According to him, small-scale mining plays a vital role in national development, particularly by employing a significant portion of the youth, stressing that any move to ban the sector would have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic prospects.

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Speaking to journalists in Aburi in the Eastern Region, on Sunday, September 7, 2025, during a one-day engagement forum on the review and proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), Ayisi emphasised the sector’s contribution to the government revenue through taxes and royalties.

“The whole idea of bringing you here is to sensitise you and give you education on the review of the law and the policy. The issue is that the 2014 policy is undergoing review, and they are due to introduce a new policy, maybe, in the next two or three months,” he said.

Ayisi noted that the nearly two-decade-old legislation is being revised to reflect emerging global trends, evolving national circumstances, and new policy directions.

The review will include the promotion of medium-scale mining and the drive toward indigenisation.

He further explained that the proposed amendments aim to address longstanding challenges faced by the Minerals Commission and other regulatory bodies.

It will also factor in public concerns surrounding the enforcement of mining laws, particularly those related to illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”

“In fact, there is a massive overhaul of the law and the policy ongoing. So, we brought you here to take you through it so that you can report accurately and properly on it,” he said.

He further noted that the upcoming reforms aimed at revising both law and policy would tackle the issue of companies holding mining licenses for up to 30 years, despite the Minerals Commission’s data showing that 80–90% of these companies have a mine life of only 10 to 12 years.

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