Small-Scale Miners Call on Mahama to Sack Minerals Commission’s CE
A coalition of small-scale miners in Ghana has called on President Mahama to sack Minerals Commission CEO Martin Ayisi, accusing him of mismanaging the fight against illegal mining. The group has issued a two-week ultimatum, threatening protests if their concerns are not addressed. This comes amid growing pressure from civil society groups calling for leadership changes at the commission.
Scale Miners Call on Mahama to Sack Minerals Commission’s CEO
By Top Knowledge Media
A coalition of Ghanaian small-scale miners is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to remove the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, over what they describe as his continued failure to support efforts against illegal mining and his alleged role in enabling destructive mining practices.
The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, led by President Michael Peprah, has accused Ayisi of overseeing a leadership style that has contributed to the deterioration of Ghana’s natural resources. According to the group, Ayisi’s tenure has been marked by policies and decisions that allegedly allow certain interests to exploit forest reserves and river bodies under the guise of legal operations.
“We want the CEO of the Minerals Commission sacked,” Peprah stated in a recent interview. “He does not represent the interest of the small-scale mining sector or the government’s own environmental goals.”
A Growing Demand
This demand is not isolated. In March 2025, a coalition of environmental civil society organizations, including A Rocha Ghana and Kasa Initiative Ghana, also called for Ayisi’s dismissal. They criticized his handling of mining permits and regulatory enforcement, arguing that his leadership has allowed illegal mining (galamsey) to flourish unchecked in protected areas.
The small-scale miners have issued a two-week ultimatum to President Mahama. They say failure to remove the CEO will lead to nationwide demonstrations intended to draw attention to what they believe is deliberate inaction from the Minerals Commission leadership.
Environmental and Economic Stakes
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges. Forests are being depleted, water bodies polluted, and livelihoods affected across mining communities. While small-scale mining is legal and provides income for thousands, the blurred line between sanctioned operations and illegal activities continues to damage Ghana’s ecology and public image.
This new wave of agitation may force the Mahama administration to revisit the leadership structure of the Minerals Commission and make crucial decisions to restore public trust and environmental integrity.
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