Environmental advocacy group A Rocha Ghana has welcomed the government’s move to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, describing it as a major step toward safeguarding Ghana’s forest reserves from destructive mining practices—if fully enforced.
The Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has initiated the process to revoke both L.I. 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501. The repeal aims to reinforce the country’s legal framework in the fight against illegal mining (commonly known as galamsey), which has contributed significantly to deforestation and water pollution.
In a statement issued on August 29, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources assured the public that the repeal will not leave a regulatory gap. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to take over oversight responsibilities through its existing mechanisms, enforcing stricter environmental compliance for mining activities.
The repeal is part of a broader national strategy against illegal mining, which includes the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) and the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, highlighted the broader implications of the repeal.
“With this L.I. being repealed, it’s not just about saving 10% of our forest reserves,” Bosu noted. “It ensures that all forest reserves across the country have some form of statutory protection. What remains is for us to ensure there is strong and effective enforcement.”
