Ghana | Revoks the Law which Allowed Mining in Forest Reserves to Protect Biodiversity

The Ghanaian government has revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.), 2462, a 2022 law that allowed the President to permit mining in the forest reserves, enacting a complete ban on mining in those protected areas as of December 2025, a significant victory for environmentalists against rampant deforestation from illegal mining (galamsey) and a policy reversal driven by public pressure and campaigns from civil society groups. 

The repeal, enacted through the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, nullifies permits and signals a renewed commitment to protecting biodiversity, water bodies, and agricultural lands from mining impacts, although concerns remain about enforcement and ongoing threats. 

Key Features of the Repeal: 

•    Repealed Law: Ghanaian Government revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which had previously allowed mining in forest reserves deemed to be in the “national interests”. 
•    Effective Date: The repeal became law in December 2025, with the ban taking effect after a mandatory constitutional period. 
•    New Regulation: The change was formalized by the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025. 

Reasons for the Change: 

•    Public and Civil Society Pressure: Years of sustained campaigns by environmental groups like A Rocha Ghana and public oputcry against deforestation led to be the reversal. 
•    Environmental Destruction: Mining under L.I. 2462 exacerbated illegal mining, leading to significant deforestation, water pollution, and threats to biodiversity, impacting cocoa farms and river systems. 
•    Policy Reversal: The ban reverses a 2022 policy shift that weakened protections for ecologically sensitive areas.
Implications and Next Steps: 
•    Total Ban: All mining in Ghana’s forest reserves is now prohibited, restoring full bans on extractive activities in these areas. 
•    Commitment to Enforcement: The Ghanaian government aims to tackle illegal mining (galamsey) and protect natural resources, with efforts to deploy security personnel and track mining equipment. 
•    Ongoing Concerns: While welcomed as a victory, environmental groups urge strong follow - through, concrete governance reforms, and robust enforcement to address existing threats and restore degraded areas. 

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah - Kofi Buah said sustained public opposition prompted the change, aligning with President John Mahama’s campaign pledge and reinforcing protections for biodiversity areas that support nature - based tourism.

Environmental groups hailed the decision as a governance milestone, warning that illegal mining, encroachment and logging still threaten forests. They urged follow - through on reforms, including a national forest protection strategy, stronger enforcement and restoration efforts, to safeguard reserves and surrounding landscapes and uphold Ghana’s climate and biodiversity commitments.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ghana-repeals-law-opening-forest-reserves-to-mining.html