Galamsey: Passage of LI 2462 a failure on the part of Parliament — NPP MP admits

Andy Appiah-Kubi, Asante-Akim North Member of Parliament (MP) has admitted that Parliament made a mistake by passing Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 which allowed mining in forest reserves.

LI 2462 provided legal grounds for granting mining licenses in forest reserves under specific conditions, exempting certain protected areas like globally significant biodiversity zones and cultural sites.

However, many forest reserves, including the Draw River, Neung South, Boin Tano, and Oda River Forest Reserves, have suffered environmental damage since its passage.

Environmental groups, health professionals, and civil society have consistently raised concerns about the long-term ecological and public health consequences of these mining activities.

Critics argue that the law has fueled illegal mining operations that are not only destructive to the environment but also difficult to control.

The law was passed in November 2022.
Speaking on Accra-based TV3 on Saturday, October 12, Mr. Appiah-Kubi expressed regret over the decision, calling it a misstep that has contributed to the surge in illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey, in ecologically sensitive areas.

“We have failed as Members of Parliament for passing LI 2462,” the NPP MP said, acknowledging the outcry from environmentalists and the general public over the devastation caused by mining operations in forest reserves.

The Attorney General (AG) has instructed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit LI 2462 to Parliament for revocation when the legislative body reconvenes on October 15.

This move follows increasing pressure from organised labour and other stakeholders who have called for the law to be repealed.