In an address at the World Press Freedom Day Reception in Accra, Ghana’s Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has confirmed the government’s intention to revoke the controversial Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462.
This turnaround comes at a time when the amendment process of the L.I. is still pending in Parliament.
At the event, hosted at the German Residence, the government communicator said L.I. 2462 will be revoked once parliament resumes, adding that, “For all those who have been worried about the LI, work is ongoing to make sure it no longer exists.”
L.I. 2462, which sought to regulate mining in forest reserves in Ghana, had been met with concerns over granting unfettered access to forest reserves for mining purposes without sufficient safeguards and considerations for intergenerational equity. The decision to revoke the instrument entirely signals a responsiveness to public outcry.
Diplomatic Support for Press Freedom
The event, co-hosted by dignitaries including German Ambassador H.E. Daniel Krull and British High Commissioner H.E. Harriet Thompson, highlighted the importance of press freedom and open dialogue.
Also at the event were distinguished members of some diplomatic missions in Accra, representatives of state agencies like the NCCE, EPA, and some members of Parliament.
Non-state actors from the Ghana Journalists Association, Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, and A Rocha Ghana, who had all been very vocal in opposing the L.I., were also at the event.
The move aligned with the evening’s theme, “The Relevance of Press Freedom in Times of Galamsey,” underscoring the critical role of a free press in contributing to addressing existential national challenges like illegal mining.
Celebrating Excellence in Environmental Reporting
The reception also featured the presentation of the 2025 Media Freedom Coalition Awards and a lively debate on press freedom. This year’s Media Freedom Coalition Awards sought to shed light on illegal mining and its effects on Communities and their livelihoods. Entries were open to Ghanaian journalists working in Print, radio, TV or online media.
Media Freedom Coalition Award Winners for 2025 are:
Best News Report – Timothy Ngnenbe – Killer Galamsey Pits: How Young Couple lost twins Killer galamsey pits: How young couple lost twins – Graphic Online
Best Long-Form Broadcast Report – The Mercury Scare; Effect of Mercury use in ASM Sector on Vulnerable Groups (Women and Children)
Best Long-Form Written Report – Seth J. Bokpe and Edmund Agyemang Boateng- Former Chief of Staff’s son, Amewu’s brother, others hold concessions on ravaged riverbanks despite Akufo-Addo’s ban – The Fourth Estate
