The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has said that the government is set to revoke the controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves and has been the subject of widespread public and political debate.
According to him, a replacement instrument, LI 2505, has been prepared and will be laid in Parliament on October 14, 2025, when the House reconvenes.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining at a meeting convened by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Friday [Oct 3, 3035], Dr Ayine said the new regulation will formally revoke LI 2462.
Dr Ayine said the decision was taken in agreement with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and forms part of a broader strategy to reform Ghana’s mining sector.
“The [Lands] Minister and I have agreed that on the 14th of October, when Parliament resumes, we will lay that instrument to revoke the famous LI 2462,” he said.
Protecting forests and communities
The Attorney General explained that LI 2505 would close loopholes in the law by prohibiting mining in forest reserves and other protected areas. To strengthen the framework, a list of forest reserves will be attached to the new instrument, ensuring any future attempt to mine in such zones would require explicit parliamentary approval.
“This will make it politically more difficult for licences to be granted in protected areas,” Dr Ayine noted.
Swift justice for illegal miners
Dr Ayine also announced plans and discussions with the Chief Justice for specific courts to be dedicated to handling illegal mining cases .
He also said a Public Tribunals Bill has been laid before Cabinet and, once approved, it will be tabled in Parliament. The tribunals will be mandated to conclude mining-related prosecutions within six months.
He said currently, more than 600 cases linked to illegal mining are before the courts, with authorities under pressure to accelerate trials.
