The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, in his capacity as Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has written to the Office of the Attorney General for the immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501.
“This decisive legal action is designed to unify and strengthen the regulatory framework, creating a cohesive front for all stakeholders in the national fight against illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey. The move aims to end the severe environmental devastation that has polluted Ghana’s water bodies and degraded its forest reserves,” a statement dated August 29 from the Ministry of Environment said.
L.I. 2462 became one of the controversial regulations that allowed for mining activities in forest reserves, though with some exceptions and requirements for environmental management.
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It’s been one of the legislations that has faced stiff criticism from civil society and the coalition against ‘galasmey, over concerns of forest degradation and biodiversity effects.
While in opposition, the current administration had promised to repeal the law. But once in government, the process had appeared to be slow. In March, the government had laid a bill before Parliament seeking to amend the L.I. by stripping the President of the power to grant licenses for mining in forest reserves.
This move also faced opposition from environmental groups like ARocha Ghana and the Media Coalition against Galamsey.