The government is set to introduce a new Legislative Instrument (LI) in Parliament that will revoke earlier regulations permitting mining activities in forest reserves.
Known as the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2024, this new LI seeks to annul LI 2462, signalling a more robust approach to environmental conservation.
This decision was announced by the Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, during an October 15 parliamentary session.
He revealed that the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation developed the instrument with support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney-General’s Department.
The initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s broader efforts to curb illegal mining, or “galamsey,” which has severely damaged Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and farmlands.
Over the last decade, illegal mining has led to deforestation, pollution, and the destruction of vital ecosystems, posing serious threats to local communities’ livelihoods.
This new regulation underscores the government’s determination to address environmental degradation and protect natural resources.
Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised government’s determination to stop the destructive practice, saying, “This revocation is a clear demonstration of our commitment to addressing the illegal mining menace that has wreaked havoc on our environment.”
He further noted that this move would limit mining activities in the forest reserves, ensuring that only environmentally sustainable practices are permitted in line with Ghana’s long-term ecological goals.
While the new LI seeks to significantly restrict mining in forest reserves, its success will largely depend on its enforcement.
In recent years, despite various legislative attempts to curb galamsey, illegal mining has persisted, often due to weak enforcement, corruption, and the deep entrenchment of mining in local economies.
Recognising this, Mr. Afenyo-Markin called on Ghanaians to unite in support of the fight against galamsey and refrain from politicising the issue.
