The government has officially revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, a law that allowed mining activities in forest reserves, as part of efforts to combat illegal mining, or “galamsey.”
The revocation, which took effect on December 10, 2025, is seen as a significant victory for environmental activists and civil society groups who had long criticized the law for undermining forest protection.
L.I. 2462 allowed mining in forest reserves, sparking concerns over environmental degradation.
The revocation aims to strengthen forest conservation and combat illegal mining.
Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, presented the revocation instrument to Parliament, citing the need to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and combat galamsey.
Environmental advocacy group A Rocha Ghana welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for urgent action to halt illegal operations and restore degraded forests.
Meanwhile, a statement released on Thursday by 17 environmental civil society groups in Ghana has expressed their gratitude to the government and Parliament for successfully revoking L.I. 2462, a regulation that exposed the country’s forest reserves to mining risks.
“We, the undersigned, express our profound gratitude to the government of Ghana and Parliament for the successful revocation of L.I. 2462,” the statement read.
The groups commended the Lands and Natural Resources Minister for his efforts in laying a new Legislative Instrument before Parliament to annul L.I. 2462.
The revocation is seen as a significant step towards restoring Ghana’s forest estate, which had been depleted due to unsustainable mining practices.
According to data, L.I. 2462 had exposed 89 per cent of forest reserves to mining, putting over 50 out of 288 reserves at risk.
The statement recommended the review of Act 703, which explicitly prohibited mining in forest reserves, and a shift towards sustainable mining practices.
It also called for the development and implementation of a national forest protection strategy to protect and restore Ghana’s forests.
“Let us tackle artisanal mining, poaching, and illegal logging in forest reserves.
“And further ensure effective implementation of the program to restore degraded areas,” it said.
The statement asserts that an enhanced capacity to address new-age threats to Ghana’s forests is essential.
The groups emphasized that the revocation of L.I. 2462 was just the beginning and urged the government to take further action to secure Ghana’s natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future.
