The Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has insisted that if there is to be a pre-laying process for Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, it must go beyond a single amendment and address all problematic provisions in the law.
Dr. Ashigbey questioned whether the government intends to fully revoke L.I. 2462 or merely amend one clause, warning that a piecemeal approach would allow other harmful provisions to remain intact.
In an interview on JoyNews‘ The Pulse on Tuesday, he argued that many issues within the law still need to be addressed, particularly those related to illegal mining and environmental damage.
“If they have agreed to a pre-laying process, then we need to let the NDC know that we are not interested in just one clause amendment. There are elements of this obnoxious law that must go,” he stated.
His assertion follows a heated debate in Parliament that delayed the laying of L.I. 2462, which seeks to repeal the President’s power to grant mining permits in forest reserves.
Read also: Galamsey: Minority delays laying of L.I. 2462, demands pre-laying
While Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga pushed for immediate approval, citing it as a key anti-galamsey measure promised by President Mahama, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin demanded a pre-laying process.
Former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor and some Minority MPs supported further consultations, while Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu warned that delays could worsen environmental destruction.
After intense debate, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that a three-day pre-laying process must be observed, with the Subsidiary Legislation Committee reporting back by March 20, adding that if they fail to meet the deadline, the L.I. will proceed without further delay.
Mr Ashigbey, in his regard, criticised politicians’ commitment to tackling illegal mining, arguing that their actions often contradict their public statements.
“Some politicians, including former Lands Ministers, have issued permits even after their government declared a suspension. Instead of focusing on protecting our environment and preventing judgment debts, they appear to be stalling the process,” he lamented.
Dr. Ashigbey called on Ghanaians to hold politicians accountable, stressing that sovereignty resides with the people and that citizens must not allow environmental destruction to continue unchecked.
He urged the government to release the full details of the proposed amendments so that stakeholders can provide meaningful input before the L.I. 2462 is laid before Parliament.
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