CSOs Commend Gov’t for Revoking L.I. 2462, Call for More Potent Forest Protection Measures

Introduction

In a landmark victory for environmental advocacy in Ghana, a broad coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and public interest groups has officially commended the Government of Ghana and Parliament for the revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462. This decisive action, finalized in late 2025, effectively halts a controversial legal framework that environmentalists argue severely endangered the country’s forest reserves and Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs). The repeal is being hailed as a critical step toward restoring the integrity of Ghana’s rapidly depleting forest cover and aligning national policy with international climate commitments.

This comprehensive analysis explores the implications of the repeal, the history of the controversial legislation, and the urgent call for stronger forest protection measures to secure Ghana’s natural heritage.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of the current repeal, it is essential to examine the origins and intent of Legislative Instrument 2462. Introduced in 2022, L.I. 2462 was an amendment to Ghana’s mining regulations that fundamentally altered the status of forest reserves.

The Shift in Policy

Prior to the enactment of L.I. 2462, Ghana’s forest policy was relatively restrictive regarding mining. Historical data indicates that only about 2% of gazetted production forest areas were legally accessible for mining activities, leaving the vast majority—98%—strictly protected. However, the 2022 legislation reversed this long-standing policy. It introduced provisions that permitted mining operations within forest reserves under specific conditions, a move that environmentalists argued contradicted the country’s own Forest Development Master Plan (2016–2036). That master plan explicitly sought to phase out mining in forest reserves by the year 2036.

The Threat to Biodiversity

The coalition of CSOs, including prominent groups like A Rocha Ghana, WACAM, and the Coalition Against Galamsey–Ghana, argued that L.I. 2462 exposed “over 50 out of 288 forest reserves” to immediate threats from mining interests. Even after proposed amendments were made in early 2025, the law still left an estimated 80% of forests at critical risk. This legal exposure threatened not only local biodiversity but also the water security of the region, as these forests serve as vital watersheds.

Analysis

The revocation of L.I. 2462 is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a profound shift in environmental governance and political will in Ghana.

A “Progressive Legislative Reversal”

On December 18, 2025, following the expiration of the constitutionally mandated 21 sitting days after the laying of a new annulment instrument by the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the law was officially considered revoked. The CSOs described this move as “one of the most significant and progressive legislative reversals in Ghana’s recent environmental history.”

This outcome demonstrates that sustained advocacy can influence legislative direction. It serves as a case study for how civil society can act as a check on government power, ensuring that economic interests do not override ecological sustainability.

Alignment with International Commitments

The controversy surrounding L.I. 2462 extended beyond Ghana’s borders. By opening protected forests to mining, Ghana risked violating its commitments under international treaties such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Forests are critical carbon sinks; deforestation driven by legal mining concessions would have significantly hampered Ghana’s ability to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The repeal, therefore, restores Ghana’s standing in the global community as a nation committed to climate action.

Practical Advice

While the repeal is a victory, the coalition emphasizes that the work is far from over. To ensure the permanence of this win and to address underlying issues, the following practical measures and advocacy focuses are recommended for stakeholders:

For Policymakers and Government

• Amend Act 703: Fulfill the promise to review and amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), to explicitly prohibit mining in all forest reserves, not just those currently gazetted.
• Strengthen Enforcement: Increase resources for the Forestry Commission to monitor and combat illegal logging and artisanal mining (galamsey), which remain pervasive threats.
• Implement “Tree for Life”: Ensure the effective execution of the “Tree for Life” initiative to restore degraded forest zones.

For Civil Society and the Public

• Continue Monitoring: Maintain vigilance over forest reserves to prevent “underground” or illegal operations that may persist despite the legal repeal.
• Public Petitions: Utilize the success of the L.I. 2462 petition as a template for future environmental campaigns.
• Education: Educate local communities on the long-term economic benefits of forest conservation versus short-term gains from mining.

FAQ

Conclusion

The revocation of L.I. 2462 represents a watershed moment in Ghana’s environmental history. It signifies the triumph of collective action, where civil society organizations, the media, and the general public united to protect the nation’s natural heritage. While this legislative reversal secures a future for Ghana’s forests against legal mining encroachment, it also sets a high bar for accountability. As the coalition aptly stated, “action must now follow commitment.” The focus must now shift to rigorous enforcement, sustainable policy amendments, and the restoration of Ghana’s ecological integrity for future generations.