The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr Ken Ashigbey, has criticised the government’s decision to amend LI 2462 instead of an outright revocation.

His reaction comes after Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, gave assurances that the amendment of LI 2462 is tied to an ongoing process to amend the Minerals and Mining Act 2003.

“We are beginning the process of amending the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 to bar individuals from mining in forest areas.

“The process to amend the mining law satisfies issues around the LI permitting mining in the forest. This is a clear demonstration that this government listens to the concerns of Ghanaians,” the minister said on TV3’s Key Points on April 5, 2025.

Reacting to his comment, Dr Ken Ashigbey challenged Murtala’s remark on the LI, stressing that President John Mahama promised to revoke the LI and yet, after winning the elections, his administration has signaled to rather amend it.

“How come the president who said he is going to revoke LI, is now saying that we should amend it? That is a blot,” he said.

In his estimation, the LI is bad and must be revoked if the government seeks to make substantial progress in the fight against illegal mining.

The latest group to push for the revocation of LI 2462 is the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).

In a communiqué issued from the 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, UTAG expressed their commitment to the fight against illegal mining, after a briefing by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on April 3, 2025.

“… the NEC called for targeted action against entities facilitating illegal mining activities, including manufacturers and dealers of Changfa machines and owners of excavators, as well as the clandestine involvement of influential business and political figures,” the communique said.

The UTAG noted that it recognised the efforts of the government in the fight, but felt that drastic measures, including revocation of LI, was necessary to guarantee success in the fight against illicit mining.

“Additionally, UTAG calls for a repeal of LI 2462 instead of the proposed amendment and to declare forest reserves as security red zones that must be trespassed. The Association urged the government to intensify its efforts to eradicate illegal mining, including increased deployment of more security forces to enforce the security red zones in the forest reserves and water bodies,” a portion of the communique said.

VPO/AE

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children's dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below: