Galamsey War: Forest Reserves and Water Bodies to be Off-Limits
Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has announced that the government plans to introduce new legislation to ban mining activities in water bodies and forest reserves. This announcement aligns with earlier statements by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who revealed that a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) would soon be laid before Parliament to repeal the controversial L.I. 2462, which currently permits mining in forest reserves.
The proposed law aims to prohibit mining in water bodies, protect forest reserves, relocate miners, and hold offenders accountable.Additionally ,the proposed law is also expected to address the issue of abandoned mining pits, which pose serious safety risks and environmental hazards.
Individuals found guilty of engaging in illegal mining will face prosecution, and those who have been granted licenses will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the law.
During her official visit to the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Vice President met with the Ghanaian community in Belgium and voiced her deep concern about the alarming effects of illegal mining on Ghana's precious water bodies and forest reserves.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that her government's commitment to environmental protection is evident in its decision to review over 2,100 mining licenses issued between 2017 and 2024, many of which were granted to politically connected individuals stressing that government is determined to restore polluted water bodies to their natural state and protect the environment for future generations.
Source – Lead News Online/Shiela Amerley Biala
