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Forest Reserves, Water Bodies to be Off-Limits Under New Anti-Galamsey Law – Vice President
Government Prepares Legislation to Ban Illegal Mining in Protected Areas
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has announced that the government is set to introduce new legislation that will prohibit illegal mining activities in water bodies and forest reserves across Ghana.
Announcement in Belgium
Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Belgium as part of her official visit to the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, the Vice President expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on the country's water resources and forest reserves.
"We're working towards banning mining in water bodies. A bill is being prepared to reverse what you saw and to ensure that the people are moved out of these areas and properly placed," Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated.
Condemnation of Abandoned Mining Pits
The Vice President also condemned the dangerous practice of abandoning uncovered mining pits after extraction, which poses serious safety risks to communities. "What is even more disturbing also is the fact that when some mine, they just leave the place bare," she added.
Repeal of Controversial L.I. 2462
The Vice President's announcement aligns with an earlier statement by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who revealed that a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) would soon be laid before Parliament to repeal the controversial L.I. 2462, which currently permits mining in forest reserves.
Review of 2,167 Mining Licences
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, disclosed that the government is conducting a comprehensive review of approximately 2,167 mining licences issued over the past eight years, dating back to 2017.
According to the Deputy Minister, most of these licences were granted to government officials. He emphasized that individuals found culpable of engaging in illegal mining will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Commitment to Water Body Restoration
The Deputy Minister stressed that the government remains committed to restoring polluted water bodies to their natural state, recognizing the critical importance of clean water resources for Ghana's development and public health.
Significance of the Legislation
The proposed anti-galamsey legislation represents a significant shift in Ghana's approach to combating illegal mining, which has caused widespread environmental degradation across the country. The move to completely ban mining activities in sensitive ecological areas signals the government's determination to protect the nation's natural resources for future generations.
The announcement has been welcomed by environmental activists and concerned citizens who have long called for stricter measures to end the galamsey menace that has polluted rivers and destroyed vast stretches of forest cover in mining communities.
