By Felix Cofie
The Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has taken decisive legal steps to strengthen Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Minister has formally written to the Office of the Attorney-General, requesting the immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501.
According to Hon. Buah, the move is intended to unify Ghana’s regulatory framework for mining activities, eliminate duplications, and create a stronger legal front for the protection of the environment.
“This consolidated framework will ensure strict compliance with environmental and social standards, guaranteeing responsible mining practices across the sector,” the Minister noted in his letter.
He emphasized that the current regulatory regime under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already provides robust guidelines to oversee mining operations. Streamlining all regulations under the EPA, he explained, would help close loopholes that have been exploited by illegal miners.
The decision comes at a time when Ghana continues to battle the devastating effects of illegal mining on rivers, water bodies, and forest reserves. Despite government interventions, galamsey has persisted, threatening ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and livelihoods across mining communities.
The Ministry says it remains committed to ensuring that all mining activities in Ghana are carried out responsibly, in line with environmental standards, and in the interest of sustainable national development.
