Three Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have introduced a Private Members’ Bill aimed at repealing a key section of Ghana’s mining regulations that grants the President the authority to issue mining leases within forest reserves. The MPs—Alhassan Suhuyini of Tamale North, Francis-Xavier Sosu of Madina, and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu—formally submitted the bill on Tuesday, October 22, in a bid to revoke Section 3(2) of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462).
The MPs argued that it is their responsibility as lawmakers to protect the environment and ensure that public health and ecosystems are preserved for future generations. They stressed that this duty includes holding the Executive accountable and crafting legislation that prioritizes the well-being of Ghanaians.
The proposed repeal follows growing concern from environmental groups, including the Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF), which had previously criticized L.I. 2462 for allowing mining in forest reserves. The MPs pointed out that the regulation has resulted in extensive environmental degradation, as well as adverse health, economic, and social impacts.
The government’s plans to present a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to Parliament were also revealed recently, aimed at curbing mining in forest reserves. This move is part of a broader effort to combat illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” which has caused severe destruction to forest ecosystems, water bodies, and farmland.
Effutu MP and Leader of Government Business, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced on October 15 that the new instrument was developed with input from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Justice. The new regulation signals a renewed commitment by the government to conserve Ghana’s natural resources and halt further environmental damage.
This initiative is seen as a critical step in addressing the long-standing issue of illegal mining and its devastating effects on the country’s environment.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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