Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, has expressed deep concerns and disappointment over President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to amend rather than repeal the Legislative Instrument (LI) 2562.
In the face of increasing illegal activities and their devastating impact on the environment, especially the water bodies and forest reserves, lovers of nature and well-meaning Ghanaians expect the president to take decisive measures in dealing with the galamsey; more especially, repealing the law that gives access for mining to be carried out in forest reserves.
However, to the dismay of all Ghanaians, there is an ongoing discussion to amend the L.I. 2462.
Dr. Ken Ashigbey who has been vocal about the escalating issue of illegal mining in Ghana has raised several concerns over the lukewarm attitude of government in dealing with the menace.
Dr. Ashigbey has urged the government to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision to amend rather than fulfill the initial promise of repealing it.
According to him, repealing the L. I 2462 is very crucial for strengthening the legal framework against illegal mining activities.
The LI 2462, officially known as the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations 2022, currently gives permission for mining in forest reserves if deemed in the national interest.
Speaking in a media interaction, Dr. Ashigbey highlighted Mahama’s swift action in repealing the e-levy within 82 days of taking office, noting that the president had demonstrated his ability to deliver on such promises.
He said, “This is a president who gave a promise to repeal the e-levy law and not in 100 days, in 82 days he was able to convert that manifesto promise into the budget statement, convert it into a bill, and sign and gazette it in record time.”
Ashigbey criticised the proposed amendment to LI 2462 as shallow, pointing out that it only removes the president’s prerogative to offer global significant biodiversity areas for mining.
He argued that this change would save just 10% of Ghana’s forests, leaving other damaging provisions of the law intact.
“If the president went ahead with his promise that he had given us, what he would have been targeting is to save about 60% of the forest,” Ashigbey stated.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
