Seventeen groups dedicated to combating irresponsible mining in Ghana, including the Coalition Against Galamsey-Ghana, Eco-Conscious Citizens, the Ghana Institute of Foresters, OXFAM, and the Peasant Farmers Association, have come together to express their sincere gratitude to the Government of Ghana and Parliament for the repeal of L.I. 2462. This regulation had put Ghana’s forest reserves, including areas of global biodiversity significance, at risk due to unchecked mining activities. The coalition also extends its appreciation to the media for amplifying their message and to every Ghanaian who supported the petition for the repeal of L.I. 2462, thereby contributing to the protection of forest reserves for future generations.

The repeal follows advocacy efforts led by the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Since its introduction in 2022, L.I. 2462 has undermined long-standing efforts to manage forests sustainably. It contradicted Ghana’s Forest Development Master Plan (2016–2036), which aims to phase out all mining activities in forest reserves by 2036, jeopardizing the country’s commitment to good forest governance and sustainable management practices. Additionally, L.I. 2462 compromised Ghana’s alignment with international environmental commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and various other accords.

Reasons for the Repeal of L.I. 2462

Data on the impact of L.I. 2462 highlighted the risks it posed to Ghana’s forests:

1. Before 2022: Only 2% of gazetted production forest areas were allowed for mining by a limited number of large-scale operators, with 98% remaining protected from such activities.
2. Under L.I. 2462: An alarming 89% of forest reserves were exposed to mining, placing unprecedented pressure on these vital ecosystems. Over 50 out of 288 forest reserves faced serious threats from mining interests.
3. After the 2025 amendment of L.I. 2462: Despite some improvements, 80% of forests remained at significant risk.

Key Recommendations for the Future

The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission has noted that, while the situation regarding forest protection has improved significantly compared to last year, several challenges still exist. The coalition believes that this revocation should mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to establish partnerships and collaborations aimed at not only conserving Ghana’s forest ecosystems but also ensuring their vitality for the benefit of all Ghanaians. To that end, the coalition offers the following recommendations for government action:

1. President John Dramani Mahama should fulfil his promise to review Act 703, explicitly prohibiting mining in forest reserves.

2. Immediate steps should be taken to restore Ghana’s forests through the development and implementation of a National Forest Protection Strategy in cooperation with national and international partners.

3. The government must urgently address the chronic encroachment from artisanal mining, poaching, and illegal logging activities that continue to threaten forest health.

4. Ensure the "Tree for Life" programme targeting forest reserves is well-coordinated and effectively implemented. Additionally, it is crucial to map and restore degraded areas outside forest reserves impacted by mining to improve forest cover, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

5. Act on the recommendations and proposals for the future published by the Forestry Commission on 15th December 2025. The coalition also emphasizes the urgent need to enhance the Forestry Commission's capacity to tackle new challenges threatening the sustainability of Ghana’s forests.

The repeal of L.I. 2462 signifies a crucial turning point in the effort to safeguard Ghana’s natural heritage and secure a sustainable future. Forests play an essential role in protecting clean water sources, biodiversity, climate regulation, and livelihoods. The coalition of anti-irresponsible mining groups has urged civil society organizations, both domestically and internationally, to recognize this action as a significant step toward restoring the integrity of Ghana’s rapidly depleting forest resources.