Asante-Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi has publicly acknowledged that Parliament erred in passing Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462. This law permitted mining activities within Ghana’s forest reserves, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.
He cited the contentious LI 2462, enacted to regulate mining in forest reserves under specific conditions. He added that the LI is now slated for revocation when Parliament reconvenes on October 15. Initially, it provided legal grounds for issuing mining licenses in various reserves, excluding protected areas like globally significant biodiversity zones and cultural sites.
Regrettably, reserves such as Draw River, Neung South, Boin Tano and Oda River Forest Reserves fell victim to this regulation. Environmental advocates and health professionals have persistently voiced concern about the devastating, irreversible damage wrought by illegal mining operations (galamsey).
He announced in response to the pressure mounted on the government, the Attorney General has instructed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit LI 2462 to Parliament for revocation. This move signals a significant step toward mitigating Ghana’s environmental degradation.