By Alex Ababio
The Acting Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has written to the Attorney-General demanding the immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501.
A Ministry statement, signed by spokesperson Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia and dated August 29, 2025, confirmed the request. According to the statement, the move aims to unify mining regulations and strengthen Ghana’s legal fight against illegal mining, popularly called galamsey.
Strengthening the EPA’s Oversight Role
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already has a strong regulatory regime capable of overseeing mining operations. Revoking L.I. 2462, he explained, would consolidate rules under one framework, ensuring strict enforcement of environmental and social standards while promoting responsible mining practices.
The decision also complements field initiatives such as the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) and the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The Controversy Around L.I. 2462
Originally enacted under the EPA Act, L.I. 2462 established rules for mining in Ghana’s forest reserves. The instrument introduced a permit system and prohibited mining in ecologically sensitive areas such as Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs).
However, it gave the President discretionary powers to approve mining in these protected zones if it was in the “national interest.” Civil society groups, activists, and environmental experts strongly opposed this clause, arguing it opened the door to large-scale forest destruction and water pollution.
Revocation Attempts in 2024
In October 2024, the Attorney-General introduced the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Revocation) Instrument, 2024, in Parliament. The new law sought to outlaw all mining in forest reserves without exceptions.
Despite the effort, critics said Ghana’s mining regulations remained fragmented, and illegal mining continued to cause severe ecological damage.
Renewed Government Commitment
The latest request by the Environment Ministry demonstrates a renewed government push to safeguard natural resources. Officials say revoking the controversial legislative instruments will help restore degraded forests, protect water bodies, and ensure Ghana’s mining sector operates within strict environmental standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is L.I. 2462?
L.I. 2462 is a Legislative Instrument enacted under Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act to regulate mining activities in forest reserves. It introduced licensing systems but controversially allowed the President to approve mining in protected areas deemed to be in the “national interest.”
2. Why is L.I. 2462 being revoked?
The instrument is being revoked because civil society organizations, environmentalists, and government officials believe it has enabled environmental destruction instead of preventing it. Revoking it will strengthen environmental protection laws and close loopholes that allowed mining in sensitive ecological zones.
3. How does the revocation affect mining in Ghana?
If revoked, all mining in forest reserves will become illegal, regardless of political or economic interests. Mining companies will operate strictly under EPA guidelines, ensuring responsible and sustainable practices. This change is expected to protect water bodies, restore degraded forests, and support the national campaign against galamsey.
4. What is the role of the EPA after the revocation?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will remain the main regulatory body overseeing mining activities. With the revocation, its framework will be the central authority for licensing, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards.
5. What other measures is the government taking to fight illegal mining?
Beyond legal reforms, the government is implementing programs like the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) and strengthening the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to coordinate on-the-ground actions against galamsey.