Engineer Ebenezer Aidoo, a seasoned mining engineer and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for a clear differentiation between illegal mining (galamsey) and small-scale mining in order to protect the environment and promote responsible mining practices in Ghana.
In his recent remarks, Aidoo reflected on the complexities surrounding illegal mining and the need for reform. "As a professional mining engineer, if I can mine safely with multinationals in various forest zones and there is no degradation to the land, why can't we do the same when it comes to small-scale mining?" Aidoo questioned, highlighting the need for a regulatory framework that ensures safe mining practices while promoting responsible economic activity.
Aidoo also pointed out the confusion that often surrounds the terms 'illegal mining' and 'small-scale mining,' urging the need for clear distinctions.
He warned that illegal activities were often misrepresented as small-scale mining, which undermines efforts to promote responsible practices. "Those are the areas that we need to differentiate," Aidoo said.
