The Attorney General (AG) has directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves, to Parliament for revocation.

This action follows demands from organised labour, which has called on the government to repeal the law as part of efforts to address the ongoing environmental damage caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

In response to these demands, the government has expressed its commitment to tackling concerns raised by stakeholders about the impact of mining activities in sensitive areas such as forest reserves.

As a result, it specifically agreed to repeal L.I. 2462, which governs mining operations in these ecologically critical zones.

The decision to move forward with revoking the Legislative Instrument marks a significant step in the government's efforts to address the rampant environmental degradation linked to galamsey.

Mining in forest reserves has led to the destruction of ecosystems, pollution of water bodies, and long-term damage to natural resources.

• Read also: Gov’t agrees to revoke L.I. 2462 to halt mining in forest reserves – Ghana Federation of Labour claims

The AG’s directive to the EPA was officially communicated on Thursday, October 10, reinforcing the government's resolve to prioritize environmental protection in the face of mounting public pressure.

The revocation of the L.I. is seen as a response to both the concerns raised by labour groups and the broader public outcry against galamsey activities.

Once the EPA lays the Instrument before Parliament, the legislative body will have the final say in repealing the law, effectively banning all mining activities in forest reserves and aligning with the government's broader environmental conservation goals.