Galamsey: LI 2462 will be repealed, not amended – Kwakye Ofosu

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications, announced a repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462. This law currently permits mining in forest reserves.

Previously, attempts to amend this law faced strong opposition. Environmental groups like A Rocha Ghana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey protested against it.

At the World Press Freedom Day event in Accra, Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed the government's commitment to combat illegal mining. He emphasized that their determination should not be underestimated.

He mentioned ongoing legislative actions regarding L.I. 2462. On March 20, the Minister for Environment presented this law in Parliament. The original plan was to amend it and limit presidential powers over licenses in forest reserves.

However, he stated that the new approach is to revoke it entirely. The Attorney General will advocate for this when Parliament resumes.

Kwakye Ofosu described illegal mining, or galamsey, as a national crisis. He compared its impact to terrorism and stressed its urgency.

He said, "The government of Ghana views galamsey as a monumental challenge." He added that those involved will be treated similarly to terrorists.

For months now, they have been actively addressing this issue. Recently, 71 individuals engaged in galamsey were arrested. Over 150 excavators, vehicles, and firearms were also seized during operations.