Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has stated that mining activities in the constituency cannot be completely stopped but must be properly regulated to benefit both residents and the state.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Bediako argued that jailing illegal miners without providing alternatives only worsens the problem.
“When illegal miners are arrested, they often end up in jail. They want to work, but what they do is illegal. If we keep arresting them, our prisons will be full. Why not find a way for them to engage in responsible, legal mining instead?” he asked.
He further called for a review of Ghana’s sentencing regime for illegal mining, describing it as too harsh for ordinary citizens who cannot afford the fines. According to him, the law seems aimed at large companies engaged in illegal mining, yet it is the small-scale miners who often bear the brunt of enforcement.
Mr. Bediako stressed that the government must take a more active role in regulating mining in Akwatia while educating residents on the long-term vision for responsible mining.
Source: Farida Seidu | Adomonline
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