Martin Kwaku Ayisi: CEO of Minerals Commission Reassigned to Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
- Martin Kwaku Ayisi has been reassigned from the Minerals Commission to the Lands Ministry
- The move follows growing pressure on President John Mahama’s government to remove him
- His reassignment could reshape Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey
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Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Although no reason has been given for the shake-up at the Minerals Commission, Mr Ayisi's move to the Lands Ministry takes effect immediately.
Source: UGC
The reassignment comes after months of increasing pressure on the President John Mahama government to remove Ayisi from his position as CEO of the Minerals Commission.
Small-scale miners call for Ayisi's sacking
Illegal mining activities have worsened over the years, causing serious havoc to Ghana's forest reserves and water bodies.
Many believed that Mr Ayisi's continued stay as the CEO of the Minerals Commission was a major inhibitor to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
In April 2025, the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Ghana (NCSSMAG), criticised the Minerals Commission under Ayisi's leadership, accusing it of failing to effectively address the issue of illegal mining.
Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the Association, said the Commission’s “actions and inactions” had worsened land and water degradation.
He stressed that reforms within the Commission were vital to boosting the government’s anti-galamsey fight.
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Martin Ayisi's rich experience in mining
Although it remains to be seen what role he would be playing at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Ayisi is a mining and petroleum lawyer with more than 20 years of experience.
He has extensive expertise and strong interests in international environmental law, energy policy and regulation, as well as oil and gas legislation and policies.
The now former boss of the Minerals Commission possesses specialised skills in legal interpretation and the drafting of mining laws and regulations.
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His expertise extends to a wide range of commercial agreements and contracts, including investment, mineral, and development agreements commonly used in large-scale mining projects across Africa.
Additionally, Mr Ayisi also has in-depth knowledge of mining and oil and gas laws, policies, and governance issues in both West and East Africa.
Between 2014 and 2018, Martin advised Kenya’s Ministry of Mining on extractive industry governance and sector reforms.
His work focused on strengthening the legal and regulatory framework through the review of mining laws and the drafting of regulations necessary to implement the new framework.
Mr Ayisi has also worked as a consultant on mining and oil, and gas for several international organisations and consulting firms, including UNECA, IISD, Adam Smith International, Oxford Policy Management, and the International Development Law Organisation.
Source: UGC
President Mahama urged to ban galamsey
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that the NDC National Organiser accused the government's anti-illegal mining task force of extorting illegal miners.
Joseph Yamin claimed that the task force was profiting from the galamsey menace rather than combating illegal mining.
The NDC official called on President John Mahama to urgently halt all mining operations and impose a national ban.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
