The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has told the Mahama administration to repeal the Legislative Instrument (LI) that allows mining in the forests, rather than the proposed amendment.
UTAG urged the government to intensify its efforts to eradicate illegal mining, including increased deployment of more security forces to enforce the security red zones in the forest reserves and water bodies.
It is recalled that during the 2024 campaign season, the then-candidate Mahama promised to repeal the LI that permits mining in the forest. However, after winning the elections, his administration has sent a signal to amend the LI, not to repeal.
Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, assured that concerns around the L.I would be dealt with by the process to repeal the Minerals and Mining Act 2003.
To him, this is a demonstration that the Mahama administration is a listening government.
“We are beginning the process of repealing the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 to bar individuals from mining in forest areas,” he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, April 5.
He added, “The process to amend the mining law satisfies issues around the LI permitting mining in the forest.
“This is a clear demonstration that this government listens to the concerns,” he said.
His comment attracted criticisms from the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr Ken Ashigbey, who told President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promise to remove the Legislative Instrument.
Ken Ashigbey said that the particular LI is bad and should go.
He wondered why President Mahama has fulfilled his promise to remove the E-levy but is failing on his promise to remove the LI for mining in the forest.
“How come the president who said he is going to revoke L.I, is now saying that we should amend, that is a blot,” Ken Ashigeby said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday April 5.
They shared with NEC the government’s comprehensive five-pillar strategy to address illegal mining (Galamsey) in Ghana, which includes law enforcement, stakeholder engagement, licensing reforms, reclamation of degraded lands, and alternative livelihood support. UTAG recognised the efforts of the government in the fight and the modest successes chalked but felt more drastic measures to ensure the fight is won.
It reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating closely with government and other key stakeholders to fight against this existential threat. The Association pledged to make its expertise available to the government in support of conducting relevant research for evidence-based policy formulation, stakeholder engagements, public education and community mobilization against Galamsey.
“Additionally, UTAG called for a repeal of LI 2462 instead of the proposed amendment and to declare forest reserves as security red zones that must be trespassed. The Association urged the government to intensify its efforts to eradicate illegal mining, including increased deployment of more security forces to enforce the security red zones in the forest reserves and water bodies.
“Furthermore, NEC called for targeted action against entities facilitating illegal mining activities, including manufacturers and dealers of Changfa machines and owners of excavators, as well as the clandestine involvement of influential business and political figures,” the communique said.
The post Don’t amend, repeal the L.I that allows mining in forests – UTAG tells Mahama govt first appeared on 3News.
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