The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2501, citing the government’s renewed commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies from destructive mining practices.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament last Friday after laying the instrument, the Minister explained that the repeal, which kicks in in 21 days when the instrument matures, followed broad consultations and expert reviews, which revealed that the controversial regulation was inconsistent with sustainable environmental management principles.
“If you recall, L.I. 2462, which was enacted in 2022, was to ensure that environmental management principles are legally enforced in mining operations and various reserves. Obviously, a public outcry led to an amendment of that L.I. by deleting Regulation 32 to effectively limit the powers of the President to allow mining in forest reserve forces,” Mr. Buah said.
He noted that although the new L.I. 2501 came into force on June 2, 2025, the Ministry decided to revoke it after continued public concern and a comprehensive technical review.
“In the light of continued public outcry and after a complete consultation and review with experts, it became very clear that we could completely revoke that L.I. and revert to the guidelines that were enacted in 2020,” the Minister stated.
Mr. Buah emphasised that the decision underscores the government’s environmental priorities under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
“This clearly must send a message that this government is committed to protecting our pristine forests and our environment. We are keeping our word. We are showing leadership and commitment to protecting the environment, the forests, and our water bodies. Every step we are taking aligns with what President Mahama has been preaching,” he stressed.
The Minister assured that the repeal will not compromise the country’s mining sector but rather strengthen environmental safeguards to ensure responsible and sustainable resource exploitation.
