Parliament halts laying of L.I. 2462 on mining in forest reserves

A heated debate in Parliament today stalled the laying of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which seeks to remove the President’s authority to approve mining in forest reserves.

Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala was set to introduce the L.I., but procedural disagreements between the Majority and Minority delayed the process.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the move as a key promise by President Mahama to curb illegal mining.

However, former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called for further consultations.

First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that a three-day pre-laying process must be followed, with a report due by March 20.

If delayed, the L.I. will proceed without further obstruction.