Acting Lands Minister writes to Attorney General to revoke L.I. 2462 in anti-galamsey fight

The Acting Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has written to the Office of the Attorney General for the formal and immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and its amendment, L.I. 2501, in a bold move to tighten the fight against illegal mining.

In a statement issued by the Director of Communications for the Lands Ministry, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, addressed to the Attorney General, Mr. Buah requested the immediate revocation of the two instruments, arguing that they have created regulatory overlaps that undermine efforts to curb the menace of galamsey.

The Minister explained that consolidating oversight under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide a stronger, unified framework to regulate mining activities.

“The existing regulatory regime under the EPA is robust enough to oversee all mining activities. By revoking these instruments, we will create a cohesive front that ensures compliance with environmental and social standards while promoting responsible mining practices,” Mr. Buah said.

The decision, he stressed, is part of the government’s broader strategy to end the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, which has polluted water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and degraded vast forest reserves.

Stakeholders are expected to align with the new framework once the revocation takes effect, paving the way for stricter enforcement and enhanced accountability in Ghana’s mining sector.