A Rocha Ghana, a prominent environmental advocacy organization, has taken legal action alongside six other civil society groups to challenge the Ghanaian government over illegal mining activities in the country’s forest reserves. These activities, often referred to as ‘galamsey,’ have caused widespread damage to the nation’s protected areas, posing serious risks to both the environment and the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
Joining A Rocha in the lawsuit are Kasa Ghana, Eco-Conscious Citizens, Tropenbos, Nature and Development Foundation, Civic Response, and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey. These organizations have come together out of deep concern over the detrimental effects of mining in forest reserves, which are supposed to be safeguarded from such activities. Despite regulations intended to protect these areas, mining operations have continued to expand, further threatening the country’s ecological balance and communities that depend on these forests.
At the core of this legal battle is the passage of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, introduced in 2022, which permits mining within Ghana’s forest reserves. The coalition argues that this regulation has directly led to the destruction of protected ecosystems, with devastating consequences. These forests, which serve as vital water catchment areas and habitats for diverse species, are now under significant threat. Furthermore, the group asserts that LI 2462 undermines efforts to protect the environment and is inconsistent with national and international commitments to sustainable development.
During an emergency press briefing held at the A Rocha Ghana head office in Accra, Deputy National Director Daryl Bossu highlighted the urgency of the situation. He emphasized that the coalition’s main objective is to secure an injunction to halt both mining and prospecting activities within the forest reserves. According to Bossu, this legal action is not only about protecting the forests but also about ensuring that the government upholds its responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations.
In his address to the media, Daryl Bossu made it clear that the coalition’s lawsuit challenges the very legality of LI 2462. He pointed out that the Minerals Commission has continued to accept applications for mining in forest reserves as recently as August 2024, despite the harmful consequences. Bossu also stressed that the regulation was passed without adhering to proper legal processes.
“Our case questions the legality of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, particularly LI 2462. We believe that this regulation was introduced without the mandatory physical impact analysis, which is a violation of the Public Financial Management Act,” Bossu stated. He further explained that failing to conduct this analysis renders the regulation invalid in the eyes of the law, adding that the public and the environment should not suffer the consequences of such oversights.
The coalition’s concerns are echoed by environmental experts who argue that the long-term impacts of mining in forest reserves could be catastrophic. Forests play a critical role in climate regulation, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation. Mining, however, disrupts these natural processes, leading to soil degradation, water pollution, and the loss of plant and animal species. In addition to the environmental degradation, communities living around these reserves also face significant challenges. Many rely on the forests for their livelihoods, whether through agriculture, ecotourism, or the harvesting of non-timber forest products. The destruction of these reserves thus threatens not only the environment but also the economic well-being of countless Ghanaians.
The lawsuit represents a growing call for greater accountability from the government in its handling of natural resources. While mining is a critical part of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and national revenue, there are increasing concerns about the balance between economic development and environmental preservation. Civil society organizations like A Rocha Ghana are calling for a more sustainable approach to resource management, one that ensures the protection of critical ecosystems while still allowing for responsible economic activities.
In recent years, the government has faced mounting pressure from various quarters to address the issue of illegal mining, or ‘galamsey,’ which has been linked to widespread environmental damage across the country. Several initiatives have been launched to combat illegal mining, but the passage of LI 2462 has been seen by many as a step backward in the fight to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
The coalition’s legal action is part of a broader movement in Ghana to promote environmental justice and ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and sustainable environment. By challenging the government’s actions in court, these organizations hope to set a precedent that emphasizes the importance of due process and the need for rigorous environmental assessments before any major decisions regarding resource extraction are made.
As the case moves forward, the coalition remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s forest reserves. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications, not only for the future of forest conservation in Ghana but also for the broader efforts to ensure that environmental protection remains a priority in the country’s development agenda.
In the meantime, A Rocha Ghana and its partners continue to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and the dangers posed by irresponsible mining practices. Their efforts are a reminder that the fight for environmental sustainability is far from over and that it requires the collective action of both civil society and government to ensure a healthy future for all.
