The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that the government intends to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining within forest reserves.

During a World Press Freedom Day event hosted by the German Embassy and the UK High Commission in Accra, Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that an earlier bid to amend the L.I. had provoked strong opposition from environmental groups including A Rocha Ghana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey.

“There is some legislative action that is currently going on. On 20 March, the Minister for Environment laid L.I. 2462 in Parliament. The intent originally was to amend it and take away the power of the president to grant licences in forest reserves,” he said.

He went on to reveal that the government’s strategy has since shifted towards full revocation. “But the new thinking is that it should be revoked entirely. So, I have words from the Attorney‑General that he will push for this once Parliament resumes,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated, underscoring the administration’s resolve.

Describing illegal mining—or galamsey—as a national emergency on par with terrorism, he emphasised the need for robust action.

“It is the policy of the government of Ghana that galamsey must be seen as a monumental challenge. So, we treat persons engaged in it the same way we will treat terrorists. For that reason, for the past months we have been in office, we have not relented in addressing it,” he concluded.