The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Revocation) Instrument, 2025, has officially taken effect after being laid before Parliament on October 31, 2025, and passing the mandatory 21-day period.

The revocation was announced through a Gazette notification issued by the Minister for Environment, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

The instrument revokes two previous regulations: the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), and the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2501).

The move signifies a significant shift in the government’s approach to mining activities within forest reserves, aligning with broader environmental conservation efforts.

In a statement, Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah confirmed that the revocation was made following consultations with the relevant authorities and in accordance with the powers conferred under section 43 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).

The revocation aims to strengthen environmental protections and ensure sustainable management of Ghana’s forest reserves by reviewing and updating existing regulations governing mining activities. The new legal framework is expected to be announced soon to replace the revoked regulations.

The move has garnered mixed reactions, with environmental advocates welcoming the revocation as a step toward enhanced conservation, while some industry stakeholders call for clear guidelines to balance economic development and environmental sustainability.