- MP admits Parliament erred on LI 2462.
- LI 2462 harms forest reserves via galamsey.
- Attorney General orders LI 2462 revocation
- Parliament to repeal LI 2462 on Oct 15.
Asante-Akim North Member of Parliament, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has publicly acknowledged that Parliament made a mistake by passing Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462.
This legislation allowed mining activities in forest reserves, leading to significant environmental degradation.
Appiah-Kubi expressed regret over the decision, stating, “We have failed as Members of Parliament for passing LI.2462.”
The controversial law enabled mining in forest reserves under specific conditions.
However, it exempted protected areas, such as globally significant biodiversity zones and cultural sites.
Despite this, forest reserves like Draw River, Neung South, Boin Tano, and Oda River Forest Reserves were affected.
Environmentalists and health professionals have raised concerns about the irreversible damage caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In response to mounting pressure, the Attorney General instructed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit LI 2462 to Parliament for revocation.
The government has committed to addressing stakeholders’ concerns regarding mining’s negative impacts in ecologically sensitive areas.
Revoking LI 2462 is a crucial step in combating environmental destruction associated with galamsey, and Parliament is expected to take action when it reconvenes on October 15.
