Accra: The Government is taking decisive action to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, by revoking Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501. The Acting Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has written to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to formalize this move.
According to Ghana News Agency, this decision was announced in a statement issued by Madam Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the Director of Communications for the Lands Ministry in Accra. The Minister assured that revoking the L.I. will not create any regulatory vacuum but is a critical step towards unifying and strengthening the regulatory framework. This move aims to create a cohesive front for all stakeholders in the national fight against illegal mining.
The statement expressed confidence in the Environmental Protection Agency's existing framework, which provides robust provisions to govern all mining activities and ensure strict compliance with environmental standards. Galamsey has caused severe environmental damage nationwide, including water pollution and deforestation.
To combat these challenges, the Minerals Commission is utilizing drone technology powered by artificial intelligence to detect and track illicit mining activities. Additionally, the government has introduced a new permit regime for excavator imports to monitor and control heavy-duty mining equipment.
Further measures include mandatory site rehabilitation clauses, which are being enforced in small-scale and medium-scale mining licenses to ensure land reclamation. The government is also working to prosecute those involved in galamsey and end police complicity.
Galamsey has devastated Ghana's forest reserves, with 45 out of 288 reserves affected, according to available data. Mercury and other chemicals used in galamsey have contaminated major rivers, posing health risks to communities. The government continues to face challenges in securing reclaimed forests and engaging local communities in the fight against galamsey.
