Martin Kwaku Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, will highlight the country’s strides in formalizing and empowering artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) at the upcoming Mining in Motion 2025 Summit. His participation underscores Ghana’s commitment to sustainable mining and inclusive sector growth.
Ayisi will contribute to the panel discussion titled “Case Studies in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASGM) Formalization: Learning from Successes and Addressing Challenges.”
He will share insights into Ghana’s initiatives, such as the Cooperative Mining Policy, the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP), and establishment of District Mining Committees. These efforts aim to enhance the formalization and sustainability of the ASM sector.
Under Ayisi’s leadership, the Minerals Commission has also launched the Financial Independence, Skills Development, and Women Empowerment Initiative. This program promotes gender inclusivity and economic empowerment by encouraging active participation of women in the mining industry. In 2024, the ASM sector contributed $5 billion in export revenue and provided employment for over one million people, reinforcing Ghana’s status as Africa’s leading gold producer and the sixth largest globally.
With over two decades of experience in Ghana’s extractive sector, Ayisi brings a wealth of knowledge to the Summit. A seasoned mining and petroleum lawyer, he has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation and held the role of Senior Legal Officer at the Minerals Commission.
Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative in partnership with the World Bank, the World Gold Council, and other global stakeholders, the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit will convene from June 2–4 under the theme “Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact.”
The event will gather public and private sector leaders, including H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, along with high-level representatives from the African Union and the United Nations.

