President Mahama Allegedly Faces Internal Revolt Over Decision to Retain Martin Ayisi as Minerals Commission CEO
President John Mahama is facing internal revolt in the National Democratic Congress following reports that Martin Ayisi will be maintained as Minerals Commission Boss.
The Minerals Commission CEO who was appointed by President Akufo-Addo was actively campaigning for the NPP on TV and radio to be retained in the 2024 election.
However, insiders also allege that Mr. Ayisi gave some undisclosed support to the John Mahama campaign.
This alleged support is said to be the reason why John Mahama intends to maintain him as Minerals Commission Boss.
President Mahama who is said to be engaged in a “one-man show” appointment with his close family members has reportedly sidelined National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia who would have insisted that Mr Ayisi, a known NPP figure and a member of the party’s 2017 transition team, is sacked with immediate effect and replaced.
Under the watch of Mr Ayisi, illegal mining has intensified, with illegal miners expanding their operations across officially designated mining sites.
In the final days of the previous administration, Mr Ayisi reportedly approved over 100 new mining licenses, a move that some experts argue was hasty and reckless.
His tenure has also been linked to at least four major lawsuits inherited by the current government, with a potential liability of US$1.5 billion in judgment debts. If these cases do not go in the government’s favour, the economic repercussions could be severe, a report cited said.
Notwithstanding the status of Martin Ayisi, President John Mahama appointed Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah (Ellembele KK) as the new Deputy Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission of Ghana.
Sometimes you have to put politics aside and choose the best man for the job. OK the approval of over 100 new mining licences was hasty but all these licences will have to go through parliamentary ratification before they get off the ground. Martin Ayisi is probably best placed for the job as he did negotiate the lithium lease at Ewoyaa with Atlantic lithium which (on the face of it) looks like a good deal for Ghana.