Explainer: Repeal or Amend? The Controversy Over L.I. 2462 and Ghana’s forest reserves

In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, President John Dramani Mahama pledged to revoke Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, a regulation permitting mining activities within Ghana’s forest reserves.

Speaking to the press during his campaign, Mahama asserted,‘ With the pressure from the organized labour government has agreed to repeal the legislative instrument and replace it.

And so, I hope it will be done before we come into office ….. if it is done then that’s it, if not when we come, we will repeal the LI so that we can stop mining in forest reserves.

He emphasized that “37 forest reserves have already been depleted”, according to the Forestry Commission—highlighting the urgency of the issue.

What’s the Current Status of L.I. 2462?

Contrary to his initial promise, the Mahama administration has instead proposed an amendment to Legislative Instrument 2462 rather than its complete repeal.

This proposed amendment seeks to remove the president’s authority to approve mining leases in forest reserves but does not eliminate the provision allowing mining in these areas.

This shift has prompted criticism from various quarters including the opposition New Patriotic Party already calling it a broken promise.

Environmental Advocates such as A Rocha Ghana have expressed their disappointment over the government’s decision to amend rather than revoke the legislation.

Civil Society Groups such as The Economic Fighters League have urged President Mahama to honour his original commitment by fully revoking L.I. 2462.

Government spokespersons have a different opinion. They insist the fight against galamsey is not all about the LI.

“Go back to the 120-day pledge! His excellency John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress made to the good people of this country and point out where we indicated that we would end illegal mining in three months? We never said so! Even regarding the repeal or subsequent amendment of LI 2462 , you will not find that in our 120-day package” Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu said during big issues on TV3’s Newday programme.

Critics however maintain that merely amending L.I. 2462, rather than revoking it, continues to permit mining in forest reserves which could further exacerbate deforestation and environmental degradation, undermining efforts to preserve Ghana’s natural heritage Let us know what you think ….. repeal or amend?

The post Explainer: Repeal or Amend? The Controversy Over L.I. 2462 and Ghana’s forest reserves first appeared on 3News.

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