A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and public interest groups has commended the Government of Ghana and Parliament for the revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, describing the move as a major victory for forest protection and environmental governance.

In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the coalition expressed “profound gratitude” to the government and lawmakers for annulling the regulation, which they say exposed Ghana’s forest reserves, including Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas, to serious risks from mining activities.

The revocation follows action by the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who on October 31 laid before Parliament a new Legislative Instrument to annul L.I. 2462. With Parliament completing the constitutionally required 21 sitting days without intervention, the regulation has now been effectively revoked.

The coalition described the repeal as “one of the most significant and progressive legislative reversals in Ghana’s recent environmental history,” noting that it marks a decisive step towards restoring the integrity of the country’s rapidly depleting forest estate.

“We are excited that L.I. 2462 has effectively been revoked,” the statement said.

The groups also praised the media and members of the public for supporting the advocacy campaign that led to the repeal.

“We particularly extend our sincere appreciation to the media for amplifying our voices, and the voices of various individuals and institutions who added their support, including every Ghanaian who signed the petition calling for the repeal of L.I. 2462,” the statement noted, adding, “Together, we have contributed our quota to give forests and future generations a chance. Ayekoo!”

Why L.I. 2462 Was Controversial

Introduced in 2022, L.I. 2462 amended earlier mining regulations and allowed mining activities in forest reserves under certain conditions. Environmental groups argued that the regulation undermined decades of forest protection policies and contradicted Ghana’s Forest Development Master Plan (2016–2036), which seeks to phase out mining in forest reserves by 2036.

According to the coalition, before 2022, only two per cent of gazetted production forest areas were opened to mining, with 98 per cent fully protected. Under L.I. 2462, however, “89% of forest reserves became exposed to mining,” placing “over 50 out of 288 forest reserves seriously under siege from mining interests.” Even after amendments made in 2025, the statement said, 80 per cent of forests remained at significant risk.

The coalition further argued that the regulation weakened Ghana’s alignment with international environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Calls for Further Action

Despite welcoming the repeal, the coalition warned that Ghana’s forests continue to face serious threats from illegal mining, logging and encroachment, stressing that the revocation must be followed by concrete reforms.

“The repeal of L.I. 2462 marks a pivotal turn,” the statement said, adding that “to secure Ghana’s natural heritage and a sustainable future, action must now follow commitment.”

Among its key recommendations, the coalition urged President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his promise to review Act 703 to explicitly prohibit mining in forest reserves, called for the development of a National Forest Protection Strategy, and appealed for stronger action against artisanal mining, poaching and illegal logging.

The groups also called for effective implementation of the government’s “Tree for Life” programme and for urgent capacity enhancement of the Forestry Commission to address emerging threats to forest sustainability.

“We remain committed to mobilising and holding leadership accountable, ensuring that every policy reflects our urgent environmental, social, and climate priorities,” the coalition stated.

The statement was signed by 17 organisations, including the Coalition Against Galamsey–Ghana, A Rocha Ghana, WACAM, Oxfam, the Christian Council of Ghana, and the Ghana Institute of Foresters.