The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has expressed deep disappointment over the government’s decision to amend, rather than fully revoke, Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Newsfile, Serwah criticized the government’s shift in stance, noting that President Akufo-Addo had previously pledged to revoke the law when he was in opposition.
“When His Excellency, the President, was in opposition, he clearly stated that he would revoke L.I. 2462. He was fully aware that certain companies had already made investments, yet he prioritized the greater good of Ghanaians and the protection of our forests,” she stated.
She argued that merely amending the legislation does not go far enough, as it still allows mining in protected areas, jeopardizing Ghana’s natural resources.
“Now, instead of revocation, we are hearing about amendments, which still allow mining in forest reserves,” she said.
Serwah also criticized the law’s lack of transparency and its poor implementation. She described it as having been passed without adequate consultation, undermining public trust.
“This is a very bad law. It was passed without proper consultation—clandestinely,” she asserted. “If someone says they would put their presidency on the line, yet things only get worse, then we must ask: What real difference does this amendment make compared to a full revocation?”
She further argued that revoking the law would not weaken environmental protections but instead reinforce stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
“The Forestry Commission already has a duty to safeguard our forests. Revoking this law would not remove environmental officers’ ability to do their jobs—it would reinforce the need for stricter enforcement.”
Environmental activists and civil society organizations continue to demand a complete repeal of L.I. 2462, urging the government to prioritize long-term environmental sustainability over short-term economic gains.
