President John Mahama addressed the media and set the record straight: not a single license has been granted for mining in Ghana’s forest reserves since his government assumed office.
Determined to underline his administration’s dedication to environmental protection, President Mahama revealed that his government is taking concrete steps to repeal L.I. 2462, the law that currently permits mining activities in these sensitive ecological areas.
“Steps are currently underway to repeal L.I. 2462 to formalize our commitment to end mining in forest reserves. Let me be clear, since my administration resumed office not a single license has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves,” President Mahama declared, emphasizing that this move would reinforce the government’s resolve to safeguard Ghana’s forests.
Backing the President’s pledge, the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially written to the Office of the Attorney General, requesting the immediate revocation of both L.I. 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501. A statement from the Ministry, dated August 29, 2025, and signed by Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, explained that this action aims to strengthen the legal framework against illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
The Ministry’s statement further noted that repealing these laws is a crucial step in stopping the environmental destruction that has polluted Ghana’s water bodies and degraded its forest reserves. It also affirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency’s current guidelines already provide robust oversight for responsible mining practices.
L.I. 2462, which was introduced under the EPA Act, allowed for the granting of mining licenses within forest reserves if the President approved the activity under the guise of “national interest.” However, this regulation drew heavy criticism from civil society and environmental advocates, who blamed it for escalating ecological damage.
In October 2024, the then Attorney-General had already presented a new legal instrument to Parliament—the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Revocation) Instrument, 2024, seeking to make all mining in forest reserves illegal. President Mahama’s recent announcement, reinforced by decisive ministerial action, marks a new chapter in Ghana’s efforts to protect its natural heritage for generations to come.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
