CSOs Press for Repeal of L.I. 2462 as Calls for Protection of Forest Reserves Intensify

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have intensified their calls for the government to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, a law that permits mining in both protected and production forest reserves.

Environmental groups argue that the law, passed in 2022 without broad stakeholder consultation, threatens the nation’s forest ecosystems and water resources.

The Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has been a leading voice in the opposition to L.I. 2462. He has warned that the government’s current approach of amending rather than repealing the law could lead to irreparable environmental damage.

“This new law took away all protections that forest reserves had.

“It also removed any limitations on mining, prioritising mining permits over environmental and water resource permits.”

One of the most alarming aspects of L.I. 2462, according to Bosu, is that once a mining concession is granted by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, it becomes nearly impossible for regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Forestry Commission to deny it.

This, he argued, undermines environmental governance and weakens the oversight role of institutions meant to protect Ghana’s forests.

Environmental groups, including A Rocha Ghana, have long criticised the way L.I. 2462 was introduced.

According to Bosu, the law was passed without proper consultation with key stakeholders, including industry players, environmental activists, and the public.

“Before the 2024 elections, the government had pledged to repeal the law, acknowledging the environmental risks and the lack of transparency in its passage.”

However, the latest indications suggest that rather than fully repealing L.I. 2462, the government plans only to amend it.

The proposed amendment would limit forest protection to just 10% of Ghana’s forest reserves, leaving approximately 250 forest reserves still vulnerable to mining activities.

Environmentalists insist that limiting protection to only 10% of forest reserves is inadequate and could accelerate deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the destruction of critical water sources.

Bosu stressed that Ghana must aim for complete forest protection, not partial conservation. “We need to protect not only the 10% but all forest reserves,” he urged.

The significance of forest reserves goes beyond environmental conservation. They play a crucial role in maintaining water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and providing livelihoods for communities that depend on forest resources.

Allowing extensive mining in these areas, activists argue, would have devastating long-term consequences for both human populations and wildlife.

“If we don’t revoke this law, we are committing an injustice to future generations.

“Forest reserves provide essential services to both the young and old. Allowing mining to take over these lands will have devastating consequences.”

Another major concern raised by Bosu is how previous administrations have exercised their authority in granting mining concessions, often without sufficient environmental oversight.

He believes L.I. 2462 opens the door for similar abuses in the future, allowing political and economic interests to override environmental protection.

“We have seen how the previous administration abused this power. We cannot allow that to continue into the future.”

Environmentalists fear that if L.I. 2462 remains in place, mining companies could gain unchecked access to forest reserves, worsening Ghana’s deforestation crisis.

Already, illegal mining (galamsey) has caused severe environmental damage across the country, contaminating water bodies and depleting forest cover. The fear is that legalising more mining in forest reserves will exacerbate this situation.

The battle over L.I. 2462 is not just about forests—it is about the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s natural resources.

Environmental groups argue that prioritising mining over conservation contradicts Ghana’s commitments to global climate agreements and sustainable development goals.

If mining continues to expand into forest reserves, Ghana risks losing vital biodiversity, including rare and endangered species that rely on these ecosystems.

Moreover, the destruction of forests will likely disrupt rainfall patterns, affecting agriculture and water availability in rural areas.

The economic argument for forest conservation is also strong. Eco-tourism, sustainable forestry, and conservation initiatives can provide long-term employment and economic benefits without causing irreversible environmental harm. In contrast, mining offers short-term economic gains but often leaves behind lasting destruction.

If L.I. 2462 remains in effect, Ghana’s forests—and the communities that depend on them—could face an uncertain and fragile future.

The coming months will reveal whether the government chooses to uphold its pre-election promises or proceed with a controversial amendment that many believe falls short of genuine environmental protection.