Three Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have proposed a Private Member’s Bill to repeal Section 3(2) of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), which grants the President the authority to issue mining leases for exploration in forest reserves.
The MPs—Alhaji Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (Tamale North), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (North Tongu), and Francis-Xavier Sosu (Madina)—submitted the bill to the Legislative Drafting Office on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
The lawmakers argue that allowing mining in forest reserves is causing environmental degradation, threatening biodiversity, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of communities.
Duty to safeguard the environment
In a statement submitted alongside their proposal, the MPs cited Article 41(k) of the 1992 Constitution, which emphasizes the duty of citizens to protect the environment.
“As legislators, our obligation to ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is even greater. We cannot continue to allow the exploitation of our forest reserves, which have far-reaching consequences on public health, ecosystems, and the country’s ability to meet international climate commitments,” the statement read.
The MPs expressed concerns over the dramatic increase in the issuance of mining licenses in Ghana.
“Ghana has issued 1,696 mining licenses in the last eight years, a staggering 2,800 per cent increase compared to just 57 licenses between 1995 and 2016. This is unsustainable,” Suhuyini said.
Impacts on Ghana’s water and security
The proposal also highlighted the risks to water security.
Recent warnings from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) stressed that the country could face water shortages affecting local pharmaceutical production and public consumption.
The MPs noted that deforestation caused by mining was a major contributor to the depletion of water resources.
National security concerns were also cited. A recent report from the Ministry of National Security indicates that illegal mining has become entrenched in parts of Ghana, posing risks to domestic stability. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF), and various civil society organizations have voiced their opposition to mining in forest reserves.
Broad support against mining in Forest Reserves
The MPs’ proposal has garnered widespread support from a broad range of organizations, including the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), and environmental groups such as the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) and OccupyGhana.
In a position paper released last year, the Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) stated, “Allowing mining in our forest reserves defeats the purpose of having protected areas. These reserves were created to protect ecological integrity and water supplies, and opening them to mining undermines their essential role.”
A call to reverse the damage
The MPs urged the public and fellow legislators to support the bill, stressing that the repeal of Section 3(2) would prevent further environmental destruction.
“Our forest reserves are not just economic assets but critical parts of our ecological and social infrastructure. Repealing this law is a necessary step toward preserving Ghana’s environmental heritage for future generations,” the MPs argue.
The proposed bill is expected to be submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in the coming weeks.
