Parliament witnessed intense debate on Tuesday, March 18, over the proposed Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which aims to revoke the President’s authority to approve mining in forest reserves.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology was prepared to present the L.I., but disagreements between the Majority and Minority caucuses stalled the process.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader insisted that the L.I. undergo a pre-laying process before being formally introduced, emphasizing the importance of adhering to parliamentary procedures to ensure proper scrutiny.
“Mr Speaker I shall pray you to place the application on ice for now and rather direct that the minister goes through what has become a pre-laying ritual so that after that the laying is done,” he further stated.
Former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor backed his leader stating “Mr Speaker I rise to support the position of the minority leader. Mr Speaker on the need for some pre-laying procedure…As we speak today mining is happening in almost all the forest reserves of this country…The pre-laying is necessary.
“It is necessary for us to be able to have a thorough indepth interrogation and discussion as to how this can be formulated and resented in a manner which will truly oust the discretion of the president in granting rights for mining to take place.”
In contrast, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga argued that the L.I., a straightforward one-clause regulation, had already achieved consensus.
He highlighted its significance in combating illegal mining, or galamsey, and fulfilling a key promise of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
Ayariga warned that further delays would hinder efforts to address environmental degradation caused by galamsey.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu supported Ayariga’s stance, describing the galamsey crisis as a national emergency requiring immediate action.
After heated discussions, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that a three-day pre-laying process must be observed.
He directed the Subsidiary Legislation Committee to review the L.I. and report back by March 20.
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