The Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has opposed calls for halting the issuance of new mining licenses amid calls for government action against all forms of illegal mining.
According to him, such a move could exacerbate the illegal mining crisis.
He made these comments in response to calls from civil society groups and environmentalists urging the government to revoke L.I. 2462 which permits mining in forest reserves, and stop granting new licenses to mining companies.
Appearing before Parliament's Assurance Committee on Monday, October 7, Ayisi argued that if licenses were not granted, it would push individuals into illegal mining commonly known as "galamsey" as a way to continue their activities.