Parliament failed by approving bill allowing mining in forest reserves – NPP MP

The Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has expressed regret over Parliament's approval of the controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which permits mining activities in forest reserves.

Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, October 12, 2024, the MP stated that Parliament failed in its mandate by passing the bill, which has led to significant environmental degradation.

“We have failed as Members of Parliament for passing LI 2462,” Andy Appiah-Kubi admitted.

The law, passed into effect, allowed legal mining in certain forest reserves but exempted protected areas, including globally significant biodiversity zones and cultural sites.

Since its passage, several forest reserves, such as Draw River, Neung South, Boin Tano, and Oda River Forest Reserves, have been negatively impacted by mining activities.

Environmental activists have raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences for forest cover, especially in light of the increasing illegal mining activities that have led to the destruction of forests and pollution of water bodies. This has intensified calls for the revocation of LI 2462.

In response to these concerns, the government has indicated its intent to revoke the law. This decision comes after demands from Organised Labour, who called for action to protect the environment.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, confirmed this intent in a letter dated October 10, 2024, ahead of Parliament’s resumption.



GA/BOG

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