The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has revealed in parliament that the Mahama administration will move to repeal Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462. This regulation allows mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
The announcement was made during a stakeholder dialogue on illegal mining, convened by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on October 3, 2025.
LI 2462, officially known as the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022, has been widely condemned since its passage. Critics, including civil society groups, environmentalists, and opposition politicians, argue that the regulation undermines forest protection, threatens biodiversity, and was passed without proper public consultation.
Dr. Ayine confirmed that his office has already drafted a new regulation—LI 2505—which will replace the existing law when Parliament resumes.
“We have prepared an instrument that is LI 2505 in my office, and that will be laid in Parliament on the 14th of October, 2025,” he stated.
He added that the decision was reached in collaboration with the sector minister, emphasizing that the repeal will mark the end of the contentious law.
“The Minister and I have agreed that on the 14th of October, when Parliament resumes, we will lay that instrument to revoke the famous LI 2462,” he reiterated.
The planned repeal is expected to calm public concerns about the government’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s forests and addressing illegal mining.
LI 2462 was introduced in 2022, permitting mining in forest reserves under certain conditions.
However, it quickly drew backlash for its perceived loopholes and insufficient safeguards against deforestation.
Mounting public pressure in 2024 and 2025 forced the government to begin the process of overturning the regulation.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations continue to push for stronger measures, including calls for a state of emergency, to confront the escalating challenge of illegal mining.
