File photo of a galamsey site
LI 2462 is set to be revoked as the government takes decisive steps to strengthen its fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, and protect Ghana’s forest reserves.
The government has presented before Parliament the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025.
The legislative instrument, expected to mature into law within the next 21 sitting days, aims to revoke LI 2501 — which had limited the President’s authority to approve mining in forest reserves — and completely abolish LI 2462.
Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, addressing journalists after laying the instrument, explained the rationale behind the move.
He said, “Mining Forest Reserves Revocation Instrument 2025. If you recall, LI 2462, which was enacted in 2022 to ensure that environmental management principles are legally enforced in mining operations in forest reserves, there was obviously a public outcry. That led to an amendment of that LI by deleting Regulation 32 to effectively limit the powers of the President to allow mining in forest reserves.”
He added, “Obviously, that led to the new LI 2501, which entered into force on June 2, 2025. However, in light of continued public outcry, as a listening government, and after a complete consultation and review with experts, it was very clear that we could completely revoke that LI and use the guidelines that were enacted in 2020. And so that’s effectively what I’ve done today.”
The Acting Minister stressed the government’s commitment to environmental protection.
This move, according to Armah-Kofi Buah, reflects Mahama’s administration’s ongoing efforts to respond to public concerns while reinforcing environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management in Ghana.
