Parliament's Approval of Mining in Forest Reserves Sparks Controversy
A New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament has strongly criticized the legislative body for passing a bill that permits mining in Ghana's forest reserves. This decision has been met with widespread disapproval from environmental groups and civil society organizations, who argue that it will have devastating consequences for the country's ecosystem ¹.
The controversy surrounds the Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which was quietly passed in November 2022. This legislation reverses previous restrictions on mining in forest reserves, allowing for large-scale extraction of natural resources in these sensitive areas. Environmentalists warn that this will lead to the destruction of Ghana's forest reserves and the pollution of water bodies ¹.
*Environmental Concerns*
- *Loss of Biodiversity*: Mining in forest reserves will result in the loss of habitats for endangered species and the disruption of delicate ecosystems.
- *Water Pollution*: The extraction process will contaminate water sources, posing a significant threat to human health and the environment.
- *Deforestation*: The clearing of forests for mining purposes will exacerbate deforestation, contributing to climate change and soil erosion.
Civil society organizations, including A Rocha Ghana, Eco-Conscious Citizens, and the Ghana Environment Advocacy Group, have been vocal in their opposition to the legislation. They demand that the government revoke LI 2462 and protect Ghana's forest reserves from all forms of mining ¹.
*Calls for Repeal*
The NPP MP's criticism of Parliament's decision is echoed by many Ghanaians, who are concerned about the long-term consequences of this legislation. The MP argues that the approval of mining in forest reserves is a failure of Parliament's duty to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development.
As the debate surrounding LI 2462 continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will revisit the legislation and prioritize environmental protection over economic interests. One thing is certain, however: the fate of Ghana's forest reserves hangs in the balance.
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