A contentious debate erupted in Ghana’s Parliament over the proposed Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which aims to revoke the President’s power to approve mining activities in forest reserves. The Environment Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, was prepared to present the regulation, but opposition from the Minority side delayed the process. The proposed law is a significant step in addressing the country’s persistent illegal mining problem, commonly known as galamsey. If enacted, it would eliminate presidential discretion in granting mining permits in forest reserves, ensuring stricter regulations. However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the instrument needed a pre-laying process before formal introduction, a position that created friction between the two political factions. On the other hand, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga countered that the regulation was straightforward, enjoying broad consensus and aligning with the promises of former President John Dramani Mahama to tackle environmental degradation. He emphasized that the regulation was long overdue and necessary to curb the ongoing destruction caused by illegal mining.
Several government officials and Members of Parliament weighed in on the debate, highlighting both the urgency and procedural requirements of the regulation. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu supported the Majority’s stance, stressing that galamsey was a national crisis requiring immediate action. He cautioned that any delays in passing the regulation would only allow illegal miners to continue devastating Ghana’s forests. However, former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor and other Minority members insisted that proper parliamentary procedures be followed before laying the L.I. They called for further consultations to ensure the regulation was thoroughly examined before its implementation. This disagreement underscored the growing divide between the two political camps regarding environmental policies and governance. The debate intensified as lawmakers from both sides stood firm on their positions, making it difficult to reach a consensus. The sharp disagreements on whether the L.I. should be rushed through Parliament or undergo additional scrutiny reflect the broader political tensions within the House.
Following the heated exchange, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor intervened, ruling that the Legislative Instrument must undergo a three-day pre-laying process before it could be officially introduced. He directed the Subsidiary Legislation Committee to review the document and report back by Thursday, March 20. His ruling was seen as a compromise, giving lawmakers additional time to analyze the regulation while ensuring that it is not indefinitely delayed. However, he issued a firm warning that if the committee failed to complete its review within the given timeframe, he would permit the instrument to be laid without further delays. The outcome of this debate will significantly impact Ghana’s efforts to regulate mining activities in forest reserves. As discussions continue, environmentalists, policymakers, and citizens will be watching closely to see whether Parliament prioritizes swift action against galamsey or adheres strictly to procedural formalities. The ongoing parliamentary wrangling highlights the complexities of balancing environmental protection with political and procedural considerations.
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