By: Peter Martey AGBEKO
Ghana’s forests are in peril. Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which allows for the granting of mining licenses in forest reserves—save for a few protected zones—poses an existential threat to our environment.
Despite the regulatory safeguards it purports to impose, the mere possibility of mining in these critical ecosystems opens the floodgates for irreversible damage. This policy is short-sighted and detrimental to the country’s ecological, economic, and social well-being. It must be revoked in its entirety.
A Dangerous Precedent
L.I. 2462 sets a dangerous precedent by making forest reserves accessible to mining companies. The provision that designates prohibited zones, including globally significant biodiversity areas, protected provenance zones, and cultural sites, may appear reassuring at first glance.
However, the inclusion of exceptions means these protections are not absolute. This loophole allows for the possibility of destructive mining activities in areas that should remain untouched.
Moreover, Ghana’s track record in enforcing environmental regulations raises concerns. Even with existing restrictions, illegal mining (galamsey) has wreaked havoc on the nation’s landscapes, poisoning water bodies with mercury and rendering vast tracts of land unproductive.
Introducing legal mining into forest reserves—where enforcement is already weak—will only embolden bad actors and further degrade our natural heritage.
The Environmental Toll
Forest reserves serve as vital carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases and mitigating the effects of climate change. Allowing mining in these areas will lead to massive deforestation, reducing their capacity to regulate climate and exacerbating extreme weather events.
Additionally, Ghana’s forests are home to unique flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and already under threat.
Mining, even when done under so-called strict regulations, leads to habitat destruction and fragmentation, pushing species closer to extinction.
Biodiversity loss has long-term consequences, not only for wildlife but also for human populations who depend on these ecosystems for water, medicinal plants, and food.
Water pollution is another critical concern. Mining requires the use of toxic chemicals such as cyanide and mercury, which can leach into rivers and streams, contaminating drinking water sources for millions of Ghanaians.
The nation has already seen the devastating impact of illegal mining on major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin. Sanctioning mining in forest reserves will only escalate this crisis.
Economic Myths and Realities
Proponents of L.I. 2462 argue that mining in forest reserves will bring economic benefits, such as job creation and increased revenue. However, history has shown that mining often leads to short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term sustainability.
The destruction of forests undermines industries like agriculture, forestry, and ecotourism—sectors that provide far more stable and long-lasting employment opportunities than mining.
Moreover, the financial benefits of mining often do not trickle down to local communities. Instead, profits are repatriated by multinational corporations, while affected communities are left with degraded land, lost livelihoods, and severe health consequences.
A Governance Failure
The passage of L.I. 2462 reflects a broader failure in governance. Rather than strengthening environmental protections, policymakers have chosen to prioritise mining interests over the collective good. This decision undermines Ghana’s international commitments to sustainable development and climate action.
The country has signed agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Convention on Biological Diversity, which emphasize the need to protect forests and combat deforestation. Allowing mining in forest reserves contradicts these commitments and damages Ghana’s reputation on the global stage.
The Way Forward
L.I. 2462 must be revoked immediately to prevent further environmental degradation and protect Ghana’s forests for future generations. Instead of expanding mining activities, the government should focus on sustainable economic alternatives that do not compromise the country’s natural resources.
Stronger enforcement against illegal mining is also crucial. If the government is unable to regulate activities in already degraded areas, how can it ensure proper oversight in forest reserves? Stricter penalties for illegal mining, coupled with investment in alternative livelihoods, will be far more beneficial than opening up protected areas for exploitation.
Finally, civil society, environmental groups, and concerned citizens must continue to advocate against L.I. 2462. Public pressure has successfully halted destructive policies in the past, and it must be leveraged once again to protect Ghana’s forests.
Conclusion
L.I. 2462 is an ill-conceived policy that places Ghana’s environmental, social, and economic future at risk. The allowance for mining in forest reserves, despite so-called safeguards, is a recipe for disaster.
The evidence is clear: mining in these areas will lead to deforestation, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and weakened economic resilience. The government must act now to revoke this legislation in its entirety and commit to a development path that prioritises sustainability over short-term economic gains.
