Ghana repeals law opening forest reserves to mining
Ghana has revoked L.I. 2462, the 2022 regulation that permitted mining in forest reserves, via the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument enacted by Parliament in December. Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said sustained public opposition prompted the change, aligning with President John Mahama’s campaign pledge and reinforcing protections for biodiversity areas that support nature-based tourism.
Environmental groups hailed the decision as a governance milestone, warning that illegal mining, encroachment and logging still threaten forests. They urged follow‑through on reforms – including a national forest protection strategy, stronger enforcement and restoration efforts – to safeguard reserves and surrounding landscapes and uphold Ghana’s climate and biodiversity commitments.
Source: News Mongabay
