Gov’t Moves to Revoke L.I. 2462 in Renewed Anti-Galamsey Push
In a decisive policy shift, the Acting Minister for Environment, Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI) Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has written to the Attorney General seeking the immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501.
The revocation marks a turning point, as the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had, while in opposition, promised to abolish the regulation but later amended the law once in government, a move that left many activists disappointed.
“This legal overhaul is intended to unify and strengthen Ghana’s regulatory framework against illegal mining, protect our water bodies, and safeguard our forests,” Mr. Buah stated in the Ministry’s release.
Under the new direction, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will be empowered with oversight of all mining activities, ensuring strict adherence to environmental and social standards. The Ministry believes this consolidated framework will promote responsible mining practices, reduce the environmental cost of galamsey, and restore investor confidence in the country’s natural resources sector.
The decision could reshape the operating environment for both small-scale and large-scale miners, placing compliance at the heart of mining investments. It is also expected to ease concerns of communities and businesses affected by polluted rivers, degraded lands, and damaged infrastructure caused by illegal mining.
