Ghana to Outlaw Mining in Rivers and Forest Reserves: Prof. Naana Jane Announces Tough New Law
Ghana is moving to ban all mining in water bodies and forest reserves. This is a major policy shift aimed at tackling the country’s long-running galamsey crisis and restoring polluted rivers.
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang disclosed that, government is preparing a new law that will reverse existing provisions that allow mining in protected areas and introduce stiffer penalties for offenders.
A statement from the vice president: “We’re working towards banning mining in water bodies. A bill is being prepared to reverse what you saw and to ensure that the people are moved out of these areas and properly placed.” “What is even more disturbing is the fact that when some mine, they just leave the place bare,” Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang added.
The Vice President made the remarks in Belgium (Brussels) while meeting the Ghanaian community during the Global Gateway Forum.
Possible Mining Law In Ghana
Government will outlaw mining in rivers and forest reserves through fresh legislation, closing loopholes that enabled activity in protected zones.
The Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has said a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) will be laid before Parliament to revoke L.I. 2462, the regulation widely criticised for enabling mining in forest reserves. (Some reports identify the new instrument number under consideration; the core action is the repeal of L.I. 2462.)
Mining Licenses Being Reviewed
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson equally disclosed that, authorities are also reviewing more than 2,100 mining licences issued between 2017 and 2024, with prosecutions promised where illegality is proven.
Impacts Of Illegal Mining, Galamsey
Illegal mining, widely known as galamsey has muddied major rivers, scarred farmlands and undermined public health.
According to environmental researchers, sustained pollution could force Ghana to import water within the decade if nothing changes.
The government’s move as announced by Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, responds to rising public pressure for a decisive legal fix and stronger enforcement.
What To Expect From The New Mining Law
Officials say the bill and accompanying L.I. will:
- Reverse permissions that previously allowed mining in forest reserves.
- Criminalise mining in water bodies and protected forests with tougher sanctions.
- Tighten permitting and oversight, ensuring operators reclaim sites and close pits safely.
As mentioned earlier, the foreign affairs ministry has indicated that licences issued in recent years are under review. Therefore, licences found to have been granted improperly.or used to conduct operations in protected zones could face suspension, revocation, and prosecution.
Conclusion – Timeline & Summary
- October 13, 2025: Vice President announces the forthcoming ban and legislative changes in Brussels.
- Mid-October 2025 (Parliament’s sitting): The Attorney General has stated that a new L.I. will be laid to revoke L.I. 2462; complementary legislation is being prepared to cement a full ban in protected areas.
