The government’s decision to revoke Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which allowed the President to grant mining leases in forest reserves, has been welcomed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Spokesperson for the Ministry, Mahmud Kabore, described the revocation as “a step in the right direction, and we all must commend the government for doing so,” during an appearance on JoyNews’ News Desk.

He noted that the move was not unexpected, given the strong advocacy from civil society groups. “It is no surprise that groups such as the Coalition Against Galamsey, A Rocha Ghana, KASA Initiative, Eco Conscious Citizens, and about 17 other civil society organisations have commended the government for taking this bold step,” Mr Kabore stated.

The revocation follows sustained pressure and a strategic move by the acting Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Mr Kabore further explained that the next phase will involve extensive consultations and discussions. “The remaining steps will be a product of consultation, further engagement, and collective discussions around the round table, and finding more strengthened enforcement as well as protecting our forest resources is of concern,” he said. He emphasized the importance of finding ways to bolster enforcement and safeguard Ghana’s forest resources.

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