Attorney General Orders EPA: Law Allowing Forest Mining to Be Repealed  

The Ghanaian government has taken a significant step towards addressing the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey) by initiating the process of revoking Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462. This law, which permitted mining activities in forest reserves, has been widely criticized for its detrimental impact on the environment.

The Attorney General’s directive to the EPA was officially communicated on Thursday, October 10, 2024, reinforcing the government’s resolve to prioritize environmental protection in the face of mounting public pressure.

The move comes in response to mounting pressure from organized labour and the public, who have consistently called for the repeal of L.I. 2462 as a crucial step towards tackling galamsey. The government has acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders about the detrimental effects of mining activities in sensitive areas, particularly forest reserves.

The Attorney General’s directive to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit the instrument to Parliament for revocation marks a clear commitment to prioritizing environmental protection. The communication of this directive on October 10th further reinforces the government’s resolve to address the issue, demonstrating a willingness to act decisively in the face of public pressure.

The revocation of L.I. 2462 is seen as a crucial step in the government’s broader strategy to combat galamsey. The law’s repeal would effectively ban all mining activities within forest reserves, aligning with the government’s environmental conservation goals and demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting these vital ecosystems.

Once the EPA presents the instrument to Parliament, the legislative body will have the final say in repealing the law. This legislative process is expected to culminate in the complete prohibition of mining in forest reserves, marking a significant victory for environmental advocates and a crucial step towards addressing the environmental crisis caused by galamsey.