The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Murtala Mohammed says processes to remove the Legislative Intrument (LI) 2462, which sanctions mining in Ghana’s forest reserves have commenced.
This follows series of reproach from environmental agencies and activists following the introduction of the legal framework in November 2022. The LI is considered dangerous to Ghana’s forest reserves, as persons have capitalized on it to embark on illegal mining activities in these forests.
Reports say illegal miners have taken over a significant number of forest reserves and have blocked access to mandated authorities.
According to the minister, the process to repeal the legal framework will be completed within the 120 days period the President promised. He added that parliamentary leadership and other stakeholders have already been engaged.
“We have actually started the process. I engaged the Ranking Member on Subsidiary Legislation, Hon Patrick Boamah, and other leadership members. We have agreed to lay it very soon. One thing I can assure the public is that we will meet the 120-day promise made by the President,” he said.
Many people, especially the opposition believe the government needs to declare a state of emergency due to rampant reports on illegal mining activities across majority of the regions.
However, Dr. Murtala says that is something the security services have to decide.
“I am not in a position to determine whether the security situation warrants a state of emergency—that decision lies with the leadership of the security agencies. However, if they deem it necessary, why not? What I can say is that this is a fight we will not relent on. We will not spare anyone, whether directly or indirectly involved in the destruction of our water bodies, habitats, and environment,” he added.
In the wake of rampant illegal mining activities nationwide, reports on water shortages in various regions are emerging. Although there are no clear linkages to illegal mining, experts had warned in the past that the country would face such a challenge if illegal mining is not curbed.
Currently, farmlands and several water bodies have been destroyed, with experts saying it could take decades for them to return to their natural state.
Source: Dehotpress
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