A coalition of 17 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has praised the Government and Parliament for revoking Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, describing the decision as a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental protection and forest governance efforts.

According to the groups, the repeal safeguards the country’s forest reserves, including Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas, from the dangers posed by mining activities previously permitted under the regulation.

“This marks one of the most important and forward-looking legislative reversals in Ghana’s recent environmental history,” the coalition said, adding that the move restores hope for the protection of the nation’s rapidly depleting forest estate.

The revocation followed sustained advocacy by civil society and the laying of a new Legislative Instrument before Parliament on October 31 by the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. After completing the constitutionally required 21 sitting days without any objections, the annulment officially took effect.

The CSOs noted that L.I. 2462, introduced in 2022, weakened decades of forest conservation gains and conflicted with the Forest Development Master Plan (2016–2036), which seeks to completely phase out mining in forest reserves by 2036.

They also acknowledged the critical role played by the media and public advocacy in achieving the repeal, stating that collective efforts have helped give Ghana’s forests and future generations renewed protection.

While welcoming the development, the coalition cautioned that illegal mining, logging, and poaching remain serious threats to forest reserves. They stressed the need for sustained vigilance, stronger enforcement, and improved governance to fully protect Ghana’s natural heritage.