The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has expressed full support for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, with former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, confirming their commitment to backing President John Mahama’s promise to revoke the legislation. This aligns with the intentions of the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
In an interview on JoyFM’s Top Story, Jinapor affirmed that the Minority in Parliament would support the repeal of the L.I., stating, “The Minority Leader said so clearly,” and emphasized their readiness to assist President Mahama in fulfilling his pledge.
However, Jinapor clarified that repealing L.I. 2462 would not automatically halt mining activities in forest reserves. He explained that the Constitution and Act 703 already provide the legal framework for such activities, and mining continues in forest reserves under current regulations.
Originally, L.I. 2462 was designed to regulate mineral rights in forest reserves, protecting important areas like biodiversity zones, cultural heritage sites, and protected lands.
Jinapor stressed that the repeal of the instrument would not eliminate the government’s authority to approve mining in these areas. Instead, it would remove restrictions on the government’s discretion to grant mining licenses.
According to Jinapor, the power to authorize mining in Ghana’s forest reserves rests with the President under Article 257(6) of the Constitution, with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources acting on his behalf under Act 703.
Therefore, removing L.I. 2462 would not stop mining in these regions, but rather grant the government greater flexibility in granting licenses.
He concluded by calling for a more structured and comprehensive discussion on regulating mining activities in forest reserves, aiming for a balanced approach that ensures effective environmental protection.
