A Rocha Ghana, Others to challenge Govt's Mining Policy in Court

Accra, Ghana - A coalition of seven civil society organizations, led by A Rocha Ghana, has taken legal action against the government over destructive mining activities in forest reserves.

The groups cite widespread devastation and threats to livelihoods following the passage of LI 2462 in 2022, which permits mining in protected areas.

The coalition, which includes Kasa Ghana, Eco-Conscious Citizens, Tropenbos, Nature and Development Foundation, Civic Response, and Media Coalition Against Galamsey challenges the legality of LI 2462, seeking to protect Ghana's fragile ecosystems.

A Rocha Ghana's Deputy National Director, Daryl Bossu, announced the lawsuit at an emergency press briefing, stressing the need for an injunction to halt mining and safeguard the environment.

“The Minerals Commission is still accepting applications to mine in forest reserves as recently as August 2024. Our case challenges the legality of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, that LI 2462 which we believe was laid in Parliament without the mandatory physical impact analysis in violation of the Public Financial Management Act," he stated.

“This failure to follow due process renders the regulation null and void," he added.

Source : Lead News Online