Mining expert Mark Conduah has emphasized the need for better regulation of small-scale mining, stating that the issue is not the activity itself but rather the lack of proper oversight.
Speaking on Bryt Adekye Mu Nsem with Kwamina Sam Biney, he noted that Ghana has failed to properly manage the sector over the years, leading to illegalities and environmental degradation.
Conduah praised former President John Mahama for acknowledging the economic importance of small-scale mining, particularly his statement that over 1.8 million young people depend on the sector for survival. He commended Mahama’s commitment to finding ways to regulate mining while ensuring that Ghana’s water bodies remain clean and safe for public use.
He urged the government to engage stakeholders with well-thought-out plans for the sector, rather than allowing illegal operations to flourish. According to him, small-scale mining provides a livelihood for many young Ghanaians, making it essential for authorities to work with industry players to develop sustainable and legal mining practices.
Conduah concluded by calling on the government to take decisive action in removing illegalities from the mining sector while supporting legitimate small-scale miners to operate responsibly and within the law.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
