Environmental group A Rocha Ghana has reiterated its firm stance against the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), calling for its immediate repeal.
The group’s call comes in response to recent claims by Ing. Michael Sandow Ali, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director of Mines, that the regulation provides necessary safeguards for forest reserves.
A Rocha Ghana strongly disagreed, asserting that L.I. 2462 exacerbates environmental threats and undermines sustainable forest management in Ghana.
A Rocha Ghana, in a detailed rejoinder signed by its National Director, Seth Appiah-Kubi, argued that L.I. 2462 poses significant threats to Ghana’s forests, biodiversity, and communities.
“The caution about a potential regulatory vacuum is unfounded. The risk to forests exists with or without L.I. 2462, and evidence clearly shows that the L.I. has exacerbated these risks.”
Seth Appiah-Kubi, National Director of A Rocha Ghana
According to the group, the regulation, which allows mining in forest reserves under specified conditions, has not only weakened existing protections but has also invited a surge in illegal mining activities.
The group highlighted that prior to L.I. 2462, Ghana’s forests were better protected under the 2018 Environmental Guidelines, which limited mining activities to 2% of production forest reserves.
In contrast, the new regulation removes this restriction, paving the way for expansive mining operations with minimal oversight. A Rocha contended that this has weakened existing protections, enabling large-scale mining projects in critical biodiversity areas.
“For example, leases granted under L.I. 2462 now cover extensive areas of reserves like Nkrabia and Boin Tano, threatening key ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities,” the group said.
Additionally, A Rocha criticized the biodiversity offsetting provisions in the regulation. It noted that allowing companies to establish plantations as a form of compensation for biodiversity loss fails to restore natural forests and address community concerns over land use.
This, they argued, does not align with global best practices or adequately mitigate the environmental damage caused by mining.
In defending L.I. 2462, Ing. Michael Sandow Ali of the EPA warned that repealing the regulation could lead to unregulated mining in forest reserves, resulting in “anarchy.”
He argued that the law provides a framework to regulate mining activities and ensure environmental safeguards.
However, A Rocha countered that such claims are misleading, stating that the regulation itself has weakened oversight and opened the door for increased illegal mining activities.
The group emphasized that the current framework allows extensive mining operations in critical ecosystems, which were better protected under the previous guidelines.
Call for Stronger Regulations
To address the environmental challenges posed by mining, A Rocha Ghana called for the repeal of L.I. 2462 and the adoption of a more robust framework that explicitly bans mining in forest reserves.
The group also proposed strengthening enforcement mechanisms and fostering inter-agency collaboration to combat illegal mining effectively.
“Stronger regulations are needed to ensure strict oversight, minimal environmental impact, and mandatory restoration of degraded lands.
“Commitments to conserve GSBAs must be upheld through participatory planning processes that protect biodiversity and prioritize community interests.”
Seth Appiah-Kubi, National Director of A Rocha Ghana
The group noted that repealing the regulation would ensure stronger protection for forests, biodiversity, and communities, while also aligning Ghana’s environmental policies with global best practices.
They stressed the urgency of adopting sustainable measures to balance economic benefits with environmental sustainability.
Ghana’s forest reserves are critical not only for biodiversity conservation but also for the livelihoods of local communities and the fight against climate change. Environmental groups like
A Rocha Ghana have consistently raised concerns about the long-term impact of mining activities on these ecosystems. The debate surrounding L.I. 2462 highlights the tension between economic development and environmental sustainability, a challenge faced by many resource-rich countries.
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