A Rocha Ghana, a prominent environmental organization, has joined forces with six other civil society groups to take legal action against the Ghanaian government. The lawsuit targets the government’s tolerance of illegal mining activities within forest reserves.
The coalition includes Kasa Ghana, Eco-Conscious Citizens, Tropenbos, Nature and Development Foundation, Civic Response, and Media Coalition Against Galamsey. These organizations share deep concerns about the devastating environmental impact of mining in protected areas.
In 2022, the passage of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 raised alarms. This legislation permits mining in Ghana’s forest reserves, exacerbating widespread destruction and threatening livelihoods.
During an emergency press briefing at A Rocha’s Accra headquarters, Deputy National Director Daryl Bossu outlined the coalition’s objectives. Their primary goal is to secure an injunction halting mining and prospecting in forest reserves.
This injunction aims to safeguard the environment and ensure the government upholds its protective obligations. The coalition asserts that the government has failed to enforce existing regulations.
According to Daryl Bossu, the lawsuit challenges the legality of LI 2462. The Minerals Commission continues to accept mining applications in forest reserves, including as recently as August 2024.
The coalition argues that LI 2462 was laid before Parliament without mandatory physical impact analysis, violating the Public Financial Management Act. This procedural oversight renders the regulation null and void.
A Rocha Ghana and its partners insist that the government must prioritize environmental protection. They urge the authorities to enforce laws banning mining in forest reserves.
Ghana’s forest reserves are crucial ecosystems providing habitat for diverse wildlife, water sources, and climate regulation. The coalition stresses that preserving these areas is vital for ecological balance.
By taking legal action, A Rocha Ghana and its allies demonstrate their commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural heritage. The outcome of this lawsuit will significantly impact the country’s environmental trajectory.
