UTAG Calls on Mahama Administration to Repeal, Not Amend, Forest Mining Law

UTAG, in a strong statement, called for a complete reversal of the policy that allows mining in protected forest areas. The association also encouraged the government to scale up efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” by deploying more security personnel to enforce red zone designations around forest reserves and water bodies.

During the 2024 election campaign, then-presidential candidate Mahama pledged to scrap the controversial L.I. that enabled mining in Ghana’s forest reserves. However, following his electoral victory, signals from his administration now point toward amending the law rather than repealing it outright.

Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, April 5, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, disclosed that the government has initiated steps to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2003, to address concerns regarding mining in forest zones.

“We are beginning the process of amending the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 to bar individuals from mining in forest areas,” the Minister said. “This is a clear demonstration that this government listens to the concerns of the people.”

However, this assurance has not quelled criticisms from various stakeholders, including UTAG and environmental advocates. The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, also challenged the government’s approach, insisting that the Legislative Instrument should be repealed, not revised.

“That particular L.I. was bad and should go,” Dr. Ashigbey emphasized, adding that merely amending the law would fall short of the bold action needed to protect Ghana’s environment.

The pushback from UTAG and other concerned groups underscores the broader demand for decisive action against environmental degradation and illegal mining. Many believe that anything short of repealing the L.I. would be seen as a betrayal of campaign promises and a setback in the fight against deforestation and water pollution.