The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has announced a major policy shift aimed at strengthening the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves and natural environment.

Speaking in Parliament, the minister revealed that government will revoked Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which was enacted in 2022 to regulate mining operations within forest reserves.

In its place, the government has reinstated the 2020 guidelines, which provide stricter measures for safeguarding forest ecosystems.

According to Mr Buah, the decision followed widespread public concern and consultations with environmental experts, reflecting the government’s responsiveness to citizen advocacy and its commitment to sustainable environmental management.

He explained that the revocation of LI 2462 underscored the President John Mahama-led government’s determination to halt activities that threatened forest integrity, water bodies, and biodiversity, while promoting responsible mining practices that aligned with global environmental standards.

“The government remains firmly committed to protecting Ghana’s pristine forest reserves, water bodies, and natural resources for present and future generations,” Mr Buah stated.

He further noted that the decision aligned with the president’s environmental vision, which prioritised the conservation of natural resources as a foundation for sustainable national development.

By reinstating the 2020 guidelines, the minister emphasised, government sought to reassure Ghanaians of its unwavering dedication to environmental preservation, ecological balance, and the sustainable use of the country’s natural wealth.