Gov’t to ban mining in water bodies and forests- Veep announces new bill
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has revealed that the government is preparing legislation to ban illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.
Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Belgium on the sidelines of the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, the Vice President expressed grave concern over the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, especially its impact on water resources and forest ecosystems.
She also condemned the widespread practice of leaving mining pits uncovered, which poses serious risks to lives and the environment.
“This is a serious issue. We are working on a bill to ban mining in water bodies and reverse policies that currently allow such harmful practices. It is unacceptable that people mine and leave open pits without any regard for safety or rehabilitation,” she stated.
Her remarks reinforce earlier comments by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who confirmed that a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is being drafted to repeal L.I. 2462, which controversially permits mining in forest reserves.
“We’re working towards banning mining in water bodies. A bill is being prepared to reverse what you saw and to ensure that the people are moved out of these areas and properly placed. What is even more disturbing also is the fact that when some mine, they just leave the place bare.”
Additionally, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister James Gyakye Quayson disclosed that the government is reviewing over 2,100 mining licences issued since 2017, many of which, he claims, were granted to politically connected individuals.
He said anyone found culpable of engaging in illegal mining activities will be prosecuted, adding that the government is determined to restore polluted rivers and degraded lands.
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