Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has made a strong case for the immediate repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI 2462), which permits mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
His remarks come in the wake of growing backlash from pro-environmental groups and civil society organisations (CSOs), who have criticised the Mahama administration’s recent decision to amend the controversial legal instrument rather than repeal it outright – a promise previously made by President John Dramani Mahama in the lead up to the 2024 general elections.
The proposed amendment seeks to remove the President’s discretionary powers to approve mining leases in forest reserves, but retains the broader provision that still allows mining in those areas.
According to critics, including the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, this move falls short of the commitment to end mining in ecologically sensitive areas.
Speaking in an interview with Naa Dedei Tettey on the Morning Starr, Sam George expressed his unequivocal stance:
“I have made my personal opinion on the decision to amend the LI on mining and forest reserves. I hold the view that that LI should be scrapped. It shouldn’t be amended,” he stated.
“There must be absolutely no mining in river bodies or in forest reserves. There should be no room for any discretion taken by any political appointee.”
The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, said his position is rooted in principle, not politics pointing out that illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves should be treated as a criminal offense.
“Illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves is a criminal act. I don’t care who is involved in it – whether they are NDC or NPP – deal with them, arrest them, jail them,” he stated.
“When they contaminate the water, the Ghana Water Company doesn’t ask what your party colour is before that water flows into your house. If you’re engaged in illegal mining, you are a criminal and an enemy of the state.”
On the potential political cost of backtracking on the initial promise to repeal LI 2462, Sam George acknowledged the concerns raised by environmentalists.
“If we don’t handle galamsey very well, it has the potential of eroding the goodwill the government is enjoying,” he cautioned.
However, he expressed optimism that recent actions, including a military crackdown on illegal miners in forest reserves, point to a renewed seriousness in tackling the issue.
“I’m confident that looking at what Kofi Armah Buah (Minister for Lands and Natural Resources) and Dr. Omane Boamah (Minister for Defence) have started doing, there’s hope. In the short term, we should see more action like we saw two days ago from the joint military team.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Naa Dedei Tettey
