The National Coalition on Mining (NCOM) calls on President John Mahama to reconsider his shocking decision to appoint Dr. Tony Aubynn as Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, the body mandated by the Constitution and the Minerals Commission Act 1993 (Act 450) to regulate and manage the minerals sector in the
national interest. We are not only shocked by the appointment but also deeply concerned that the appointment points to a pattern of capitulation by the Mahama government to the interests of foreign mining capital.
The National Coalition on Mining is a grouping of CSOs, community groups and individuals who work for the respect of human rights in mining and optimal national and citizens’ benefit from the country’s mineral resources.
Champion of transnational mining companies
Dr. Aubynn is a citizen of Ghana. However, our call, shock and concerns arise from the fact that Tony Aubynn is a champion of transnational mining companies. Until his appointment, he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines in which position he consistently defended the interest of transnational mining companies. There is a record of his pronouncements in defence of these interests which are not only diametrically opposed to the optimisation of national benefit from the country’s non-renewal mineral resources but raises questions about his capacity to discharge the responsibilities as head of the Minerals Commission impartially and equitably.
Issued by the National Coalition on Mining (NCOM)
For more information, contact TWN-Africa (secretariat of NCOM)
Telephone: 0302 511189/503816/500419 0244986441 Email: environment@twnafrica.org
