Africa-Press – Ghana. The Government is taking decisive action to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, by revoking Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501.
The Acting Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has written to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to formalise this move.
This is in a statement issued by Madam Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the Director of Communications for the Lands Ministry in Accra.
The Minister gave the assurance that revoking the L.I. will not create any regulatory vacuum but critical step towards unifying and strengthening the regulatory framework, creating a cohesive front for all stakeholders in the national fight against illegal mining.
The statement expressed confidence in the Environmental Protection Agency’s existing framework to provide robust provisions to govern all mining activities and ensure strict compliance with environmental standards.
Galamsey has caused severe environmental damage nationwide, including water pollution and deforestation.
The Minerals Commission is using drone technology powered by artificial intelligence to detect and track illicit mining activities.
The government has introduced a new permit regime for excavator imports to monitor and control heavy-duty mining equipment.
Mandatory site rehabilitation clauses are being enforced in small-scale and medium-scale mining licenses to ensure land reclamation.
The government is working to prosecute those involved in galamsey and end police complicity.
Galamsey has devastated Ghana’s forest reserves, with 45 out of 288 reserves affected, available data has indicated.
Mercury and other chemicals used in galamsey have contaminated major rivers, posing health risks to communities.
The government faces challenges in securing reclaimed forests and engaging local communities in the fight against galamsey.
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