Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has condemned in strong terms Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 for vesting presidential authority to approve mining in forest reserves, labelling it a frontal attack on the country’s environmental integrity and constitutional order.

At a press briefing organized by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) in Accra, Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo, stated that the regulation provides a perilous precedent by de facto weakening established environmental restraints and permitting large-scale destruction of ecologically valuable environments.

“This is not just a policy failure. It is a failure in law and the Constitution,” Prof. Ampofo stated. “Forest reserves exist to preserve biodiversity and maintain the delicate ecosystems. To open up such sites to mining is a contradiction in principle and a betrayal of national stewardship.”

 An Assault on Law and Nature

Citing existing environmental laws such as the Forest Ordinance of 1927 (Cap 157), the Forest Protection Act of 1974 (NRCD 243), and the Minerals and Mining Act, GAAS argued that mining in reserve forests is outrightly prohibited by Ghanaian law. The Academy argued that L.I. 2462 not only repeals these laws but also violates the 1992 Constitution, which puts natural resources under the care of the state in trust for the people.

“The law permits things—like the felling of trees, river damming, and mining in forests—specifically prohibited by our laws. It condones environmental degradation under the guise of regulation,” Prof. Ampofo stated.

She also blamed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ministry of Environment for exceeding the lawful mandate by attempting to delegate power to the President, which was described as unconstitutional by GAAS.

“Section 62(1) of the former EPA Act left no room for doubt: the control of mining is the domain of the Minerals Commission. The Minister cannot appoint a power she does not have—not even to the President,” she added.

Mining in Forests: A National Crisis

GAAS expressed grave concern that mining in forest reserves could have irreversible consequences on Ghana’s biodiversity, water resources, and public health. Prof. Ampofo warned that allowing mining in globally significant biodiversity areas would intensify deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation, and displacement of communities.

“What we’re witnessing is not just poor governance. It is the institutionalization of environmental crime,” she stressed.

To the Academy, cancellation of Regulation 32 by L.I. 2462 would not be sufficient as over 90% of Ghana’s forest reserves will remain unprotected and vulnerable to mining activities.

Key Demands

The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences called for swift and resolute action to protect the country’s forest reserves and environmental integrity. Firstly, the Academy demanded the outright revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, rather than the withdrawal of specific selected provisions.

Secondly, it invoked a binding presidential decree that would forever prohibit all forms of mining, exploration, and prospecting in forest reserves throughout the country.

In addition, the Academy urged Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee to critically analyze the legal and environmental consequences of the regulation with the view of ensuring that it is in accordance with Ghana’s Constitution as well as existing environmental laws.

Finally, the Academy called for uncompromising compliance with all existing legislation on forest protection and environmental conservation to safeguard the nation’s natural resources for generations to come.

Call for National Accountability

GAAS called on citizens, civil society organizations, religious institutions, traditional leaders, and the media to bring an end to the normalization of environmental exploitation and hold the leadership accountable.

“The forests are not political pawns. They are national treasures and bequests for unborn generations. We must act today or lose them forever,” cautioned Prof. Ampofo. She said it is not a party issue, but one concerning the soul of the nation.

“We invite all Ghanaians to move beyond party affiliation and join hands to save our environment. The destiny of our children rests on decisions we make today.”

The Academy restated its resolve towards partaking in national civic education and advocacy programs to curb illegal mining and promote environmental degradation.

 

Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/capitalnewsonline.com