Ghana revokes mining law but galamsey fight far from over
Ghana withdrew regulations that allowed mining operations inside protected woodland areas, earning praise from environmental advocate Awula Serwah while she warned that illegal extraction activities remain widespread. Parliament received the cancellation document on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, eliminating both L.I. 2501 and L.I. 2462 after critics said the rules permitted damaging excavation work within ecologically vulnerable zones.
Serwah told reporters the policy reversal represents progress but falls short of solving the galamsey crisis that continues destroying forests and rivers. She compared current enforcement efforts to fighting a blaze with small containers rather than professional firefighting equipment. Mining activity persists in reserves despite the regulatory changes, she noted.
The advocate rejected any celebration while contaminated waterways threaten public health through rising kidney ailments and tainted vegetables like kontomire. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology said the repeal supports wider anti-mining initiatives through programs like rCOMSDEP and operations managed by NAIMOS. Serwah acknowledged the government action as worthwhile but insisted far greater measures are necessary to stop environmental destruction.
