Government has yielded to pressure from environmental activists and civil society organizations to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) through the repeal of the law that okays mining operations deep inside the country’s forests.
Calls for tougher action were reignited after the recent helicopter crash that killed eight persons, an incident activists linked to the dangers of unchecked galamsey operations.
Even though calls for a state of emergency have not been heeded, the latest move could engender renewed hope that the country’s forests and water sources will be protected.
The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had, while in opposition, promised to revoke Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 which is the legal framework governing small-scale mining but instead only amended the law upon assuming office. That decision drew sharp criticism from activists and watchdog groups, who argued that the amendment weakened the fight against galamsey.
Now, in what is being seen as a decisive policy shift, the Acting Minister for Environment, Science Technology and Innovation, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has formally written to the Attorney General to initiate the revocation of L.I. 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501. The government says the legal overhaul is designed to unify regulatory oversight, curb environmental destruction, and restore polluted water bodies and degraded forests.
The new framework will consolidate regulatory authority under the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), ensuring stricter compliance with environmental and social standards across the mining sector.
The revocation is set to mark a turning point for Ghana’s mining sector. While companies may face higher compliance costs, the long-term benefits of improved sustainability, reduced reputational risks, and a more stable investment climate outweigh the short-term challenges.
Mining remains one of Ghana’s largest foreign exchange earners, and stakeholders agree that cleaning up the sector is not just an environmental necessity but also a business imperative for long-term growth.
