The Acting Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has initiated a decisive legal step to strengthen Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He has formally written to the Office of the Attorney General, requesting the immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501.
The move signals government’s determination to streamline mining regulations and close loopholes that have hampered efforts to tackle environmental degradation.
According to the Minister, the revocation of the two L.Is. will unify the existing legal framework and eliminate conflicting provisions that undermine effective regulation.
By consolidating oversight under one coherent system, he explained, government hopes to create a stronger and more coordinated front in the national campaign against illegal mining.
The decision is also expected to empower regulators to enforce the law more effectively across all levels of the mining sector.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah noted in his letter that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already has a comprehensive regulatory regime capable of supervising all mining operations in the country.
He expressed confidence that the EPA’s robust guidelines provide sufficient safeguards to ensure strict adherence to environmental and social standards.
This, he stressed, will not only guarantee responsible mining practices but also protect the livelihoods of communities affected by mining activities.
The Minister emphasised that illegal mining continues to pose a grave threat to Ghana’s environment, with rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves bearing the brunt of destructive practices.
He maintained that government’s renewed legal approach represents a crucial step toward reversing the damage and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
He urged all stakeholders, including miners, traditional authorities, and local communities, to support the initiative as part of the collective responsibility to end galamsey and restore the nation’s ecosystems.