Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining
Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has called on President John Mahama to fully repeal L.I 2462.
Sharing his thoughts on TV3 on Saturday, March 22, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey argued that any partial review of the law would be a piecemeal approach to fighting illegal mining otherwise known as galamsey.
Dr. Ashigbey’s call coincides with the environment ministry’s tabling of a bill in Parliament on Thursday, March 21, 2025 to repeal the LI that mandates the president to grant mining licenses in forest reserves.
In accordance with Article 11(7) of the Constitution, the Instrument comes into effect after 21 sitting days of Parliament unless it is annulled by the votes of two-thirds of Members of Parliament (MPs).
The move forms part of broad measures by the government to address the illegal mining menace, which has been harshly criticized by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and a section of the public.
“I think the president has shown enough good faith since assuming office. But, when it comes to galamsey, the president is not walking the talk.
“Look, I have several videos of the president promising to repeal the LI during the campaign period, so to now decide to remove some of the regulations in the law is a bit problematic,” Dr Ashigbey added.
According to Dr. Ashigbey, substantial efforts are required from both the government and the citizenry to minimize illegal mining, which is causing severe damage to water bodies in the country.
VPO/EK
