Mahama’s refusal to repeal L.I. 2462 will lead to total destruction of forest reserves — Ahiagbah

The National Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticized President John Dramani Mahama over plans to amend L.I. 2462.

The Legislative Instrument (L.I.), which permits mining in the country’s forest reserves, is currently being amended in Parliament to remove the president’s power to approve mining leases.

However, Mr. Ahiagbah argues that this move contradicts the President’s campaign promise to repeal the legislation while in opposition.

In a social media post on Monday, March 24, Mr. Ahiagbah warned that failure to repeal the law would lead to the destruction of the country’s forests.

“President John Dramani Mahama’s refusal to revoke L.I. 2462, as he promised, will result in the total destruction of our forest reserves. During the 2024 campaign, Mahama pledged to revoke Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and ban mining in forest reserves altogether.

“However, as president, Mahama has sent a bill to Parliament merely to remove the president’s power to approve mining leases,” he wrote.

He further argued that the proposed amendment does not go far enough to protect the forests.

“Fellow Ghanaians, this amendment will not stop mining in forest reserves; it will effectively reaffirm President Mahama’s support for mining’s devastation of our forests.

“President Akufo-Addo faced widespread criticism for allowing this law, and President Mahama pledged to revoke it. So why is Mahama refusing to honor his promise to repeal L.I. 2462?” he quizzed.

Mr. Ahiagbah stressed the need for a total repeal of the legislation, urging President Mahama to fulfill his commitment.

“We need the complete revocation or repeal of L.I. 2462. Therefore, President Mahama must honor his promise to Ghanaians,” he noted.