Foresters Call for Strict Ban on Mining in Protected Forests
The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) is urging government to introduce a new law that fully bans mining in sensitive forest areas, including watersheds and biodiversity hotspots. The call follows government’s decision to revoke L.I. 2462 and L.I. 2501, which previously allowed regulated mining in forest reserves.
In a communiqué issued after its 28th Annual General Meeting at KNUST on November 6, the Institute praised government’s move to replace the old laws but insisted that stronger protections are urgently needed. About 150 members attended the meeting, chaired by Professor Kyereh Boateng.
GIF recommended that all surface and alluvial mining be prohibited in forest reserves due to the severe destruction they cause to forests and water bodies. Only deep cast mining should be considered—and only in designated production forests where it can be tightly controlled. Areas that protect water sources, rare species, or key ecological services should remain completely off-limits.
Data presented at the meeting showed rapid forest decline from 2015 to 2024, with 50 protected areas already affected by mining. Armed miners currently occupy several reserves, including Apamprama, Oda River, Offin Shelterbelt, Tano Anwia and Tano Nimri. The Institute also highlighted the dangers forestry staff face, noting deaths and injuries linked to confrontations with illegal miners.
While acknowledging government actions such as revoking about 300 small-scale mining licences, GIF argued that some policies hinder progress. It criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s directive against burning excavators, saying it allows seized machines to return to illegal operations. GIF is calling for on-site destruction of equipment, insisting it is legal and remains the strongest deterrent.
The Institute also expressed concern over low prosecution rates—only 35 convictions out of 1,190 illegal miners arrested since 2023—and pointed to political interference, corruption, and foreign involvement as key drivers of illegal mining.
GIF condemned the recent attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat at Hwidiem, where a mob freed detained miners and vandalized property. The group reiterated its support for transforming the Forestry Commission into a paramilitary force capable of dealing with armed miners.
The AGM further called for stronger forest restoration efforts and nationwide public education on the dangers of illegal mining. GIF urged the National Commission for Civic Education to treat galamsey awareness as a national emergency.
As Parliament considers the revocation of L.I. 2462, GIF stressed that any new law must clearly balance economic interests with environmental protection while safeguarding Ghana’s forests, biodiversity, and water security.
