Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has made it clear that the Commission is not seeking additional authority to bear arms in the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. Instead, he emphasized the need for more resources to effectively address the ongoing crisis.During a public hearing before Parliament's Assurance Committee on October 7, Mr.

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Ayisi expressed frustration over the lack of action from law enforcement despite numerous reports submitted about illegal mining activities. He cited the example of officers at the Anyinam Police Station, who, despite being informed on multiple occasions about mining operations happening right behind their premises, have taken no action to stop them.

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"We have reported several times that people are engaging in illegal mining activities right behind the Anyinam Police Station, without our permission. So, how is it that the police are not taking any action? The Minerals Commission has done its part by notifying them," Mr. Ayisi said.

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He further acknowledged that while the Minerals Commission is not without fault, especially in cases where individuals with legitimate licenses may have made mistakes, its responsibility ends after reporting such issues to the appropriate authorities."I’m not saying we’re perfect, or that we haven’t made errors. There are times when people with licenses make mistakes, and that’s why we have inspectors.

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Once we report illegal activity to the right institution, like the police, our job is done," he added.Addressing calls for the Commission to be given the power to bear arms, Mr. Ayisi said such a move would require significant changes in government policies, which he believes would be unnecessary and excessive.

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He pointed out that the Forestry Commission already bears arms but questioned how individuals are still managing to access forests without proper licenses."If we have to request more powers to bear arms, government policies would have to change, and that would be too much for us. Look at the number of water bodies in the country. The Forestry Commission bears arms, yet people still enter forests and engage in illegal activities without licenses.

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I will not ask the government to give us powers to bear arms," he stated.Instead, Mr. Ayisi stressed the need for more resources for the Minerals Commission to effectively carry out its mandate. "What the Minerals Commission needs are more resources, and I’m getting them anyway. But no one can say it is enough," he concluded.

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The Minerals Commission, established under the Minerals Commission Act of 1993, Act 450, plays a critical role in formulating recommendations for national policy concerning the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources. Among its many functions, the Commission advises the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, monitors government policies on minerals, and oversees the operations of entities responsible for mineral exploitation.

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The Commission also processes applications for mineral rights and reviews agreements related to mineral resources, helping to ensure informed national decision-making on mining activities.Despite the Commission’s efforts, Mr.

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Ayisi's remarks highlight the challenges faced in the battle against illegal mining, particularly the need for stronger enforcement of laws by security agencies and better resources for institutions tasked with protecting Ghana’s natural resources.

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