Gov’t moves to revoke law allowing mining in forest reserves

The Acting Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has laid before Parliament an instrument to revoke Legislative Instrument 2462, which permitted the issuance of mining licenses in forest reserves.

Speaking to journalists after the parliamentary sitting, Hon. Buah said the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s forest reserves and ending illegal mining activities.

He stated that the Ministry is working closely with the Office of the Attorney-General to ensure the complete withdrawal of the instrument and to prevent the approval of any future mining operations in protected forest areas.

“The government remains resolute in protecting our forest reserves and putting an end to activities that threaten our ecosystems,” he said. “Revoking this instrument is part of our broader plan to restore degraded forest lands and promote responsible environmental management.”

Legislative Instrument 2462, passed in 2022, allowed mining to take place in forest reserves under certain conditions. The regulation was heavily criticized by environmental groups and civil society organizations, who warned that it posed a serious threat to biodiversity and water resources.

The decision to revoke the law has been welcomed by environmental advocates, including A Rocha Ghana, who have consistently called for its withdrawal.

Once Parliament approves the revocation, the government is expected to introduce new policy measures to strengthen forest protection and ensure that mining activities are carried out in a sustainable manner.