The Association of Mining Communities of Ghana says the enforcement of local content regulations in the mining industry is helping to boost local economies.

According to the group, many young people in mining communities are securing job opportunities in the sector as a result of these policies.

In a statement, the group emphasised, "This focus on local empowerment fosters a more inclusive and sustainable economy rooted in shared prosperity."

To further decentralise the Minerals Commission, an attempt is being made to build more regional and district offices.

Kumasi, Tamale, Akim Oda, Bibiani, Bole, Damang, Kyebi, Bolga, Wa, and Tarkwa are among areas benefiting from the expansion, being funded with Internally Generated Funds.

It further indicates, "this decentralization has brought regulatory oversight closer to mining operations, improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability".

They are of the firm belief that the decentralisation will further enhance the licensing regime of the mining industry.

"This bold move has made regulatory compliance more accessible to stakeholders, significantly improving transparency", it states.

The release added, "The results are evident: gold revenue has soared to an all-time high of USD 10 billion—Ghana’s highest in history—thanks to improved production and robust governance".

According to the group, huge investments in human capital by the commission will have long-term impact on the mining industry in Ghana.

Staff of the commission, including inspectors and technical officers, have received training in other mining jurisdictions, including the United States of America and Canada.

"These initiatives have equipped the Commission’s personnel with globally competitive skills and enhanced their capacity to maintain high industry standards", the statement reads.

The Association of Mining Communities of Ghana attributes the impact made at the commission to its CEO, Martin Ayisi.

They insist the leader has transformed the commission by enhancing profitability.

"Under his guidance, the Commission has also improved its financial footing by recovering long-standing legacy debts and establishing internal revenue mobilization mechanisms, making it more financially self-reliant and efficient", it added.

Full text

MARTIN AYISI: A BEACON IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

As Mr. Martin Ayisi marks four remarkable years as Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, the Association of Mining Communities of Ghana (AMCOG) proudly congratulates him on this milestone. His tenure has been nothing short of transformational—redefining Ghana’s mining landscape and setting a gold standard in regulatory leadership across the continent.

The mining sector of Ghana stands at the cusp of a transformative era, driven largely by Mr. Ayisi’s visionary leadership. Over the past four years, he has spearheaded reforms and innovations that have not only revitalized the Minerals Commission but also positioned Ghana as a formidable force in global mining governance.

Under his stewardship, the Commission has witnessed unprecedented growth and development—achievements unmatched in its 40-year history. Notably, Ghana recorded its first-ever lithium discovery at Ewoyaa, alongside several significant gold deposit findings, signaling a new dawn for mineral diversification and resource potential.

A firm believer in human capital development, Mr. Ayisi has championed staff training programs for inspectors and technical officers, facilitating professional development in world-leading mining jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, and Canada. These initiatives have equipped the Commission’s personnel with globally competitive skills and enhanced their capacity to maintain high industry standards.

Another remarkable milestone is the establishment of regional and district offices in Kumasi, Tamale, Akim Oda, Bibiani, Bole, Damang, Kyebi, Bolga, Wa, and Tarkwa. What makes this even more commendable is that these offices were established solely through Internally Generated Funds (IGF), without reliance on government subvention. This decentralization has brought regulatory oversight closer to mining operations, improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Mr. Ayisi also revolutionized the licensing regime by decentralizing the entire process. This bold move has made regulatory compliance more accessible to stakeholders, significantly improving transparency. The results are evident: gold revenue has soared to an all-time high of USD 10 billion—Ghana’s highest in history—thanks to improved production and robust governance.

Furthermore, his unwavering commitment to local content enforcement ensures that Ghanaians actively participate and benefit from mining operations. This focus on local empowerment fosters a more inclusive and sustainable economy rooted in shared prosperity.

Under his guidance, the Commission has also improved its financial footing by recovering long-standing legacy debts and establishing internal revenue mobilization mechanisms, making it more financially self-reliant and efficient.

As a nation, it is important that we cherish and celebrate visionary CEOs like Mr. Martin Ayisi—leaders of this calibre come once in a generation. His exceptional leadership is a national asset.

In conclusion, Mr. Martin Ayisi’s four-year tenure represents not just reform but a renaissance in Ghana’s mining sector. He stands as a beacon of excellence, guiding the industry toward sustainable growth and inclusive development. His vision inspires confidence among communities that rely on mining as an economic lifeline and sets new benchmarks for regulatory excellence across Africa’s mineral sector.