Government Resolves to Revoke Law Allowing Mining in Forest Reserves to Combat Galamsey

Minister of Information Fatimatu Abubakar has announced that the government, in agreement with labour unions, has decided to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462). This move comes in response to calls from stakeholders, including labour unions, urging the government to take more decisive action against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as "Galamsey."

The Information Minister indicated that the government is awaiting Parliament's reconvening to initiate the revocation process, which is one of several measures agreed upon with labour unions to tackle the Galamsey crisis. Other steps include collaboration between the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases.

However, the government expressed surprise over Organised Labour's decision to proceed with a nationwide strike on October 10, despite these commitments. During a closed-door meeting on October 7, Joshua Ansah, spokesperson for Organised Labour, stated that they would not back down, arguing that the government's proposed measures do not adequately address their demands.

“If nothing is done by October 10, there will be a nationwide strike. Our position remains unchanged,” Ansah stressed, urging President Akufo-Addo to announce a total ban on illegal mining before the strike date.

In response, the Minister of Information issued a statement noting that on October 3, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo convened a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House to discuss the long-standing issue of illegal mining and the government’s efforts so far. Key agreements from the meeting included:

Collaboration between the government, Organised Labour, and other stakeholders to combat illegal mining.
Revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462) once Parliament reconvenes.
Increased enforcement measures to prohibit illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves, which remain designated "Red Zones" for all forms of mining activities.
The Attorney-General will also collaborate with the Chief Justice to expedite the prosecution of illegal mining cases, while the government has endorsed a proposal for all presidential candidates to sign a pact committing to depoliticize the fight against illegal mining.

Despite these steps, the government reaffirmed its commitment to continued dialogue with Organised Labour and other stakeholders, emphasizing its determination to combat illegal small-scale mining and urging all parties to join the fight.