Landmark victory: Ghana repeals law opening forest reserves to mining

In December 2025, a legislative instrument that otherwise would have allowed the entry of mining in Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas and other forest reserves in Ghana was repealed. Our partner A Rocha Ghana had leading role in the process leading to the repeal, which is a major policy achievement of both the Forests for a Just Future programme and the Bottom Line! project. It restored the legal protection of critical ecosystems: a landmark victory for nature and people.

Header photo: Atewa Forest in Ghana © Sander van Andel / IUCN NL

Setting a critical precedent

Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 would have opened large areas of forest, including Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas, to mining activities. A Rocha Ghana (ARG) played a leading role in the legal action and public advocacy against L.I. 2462, leading to its eventual repeal that successfully stalled the finalisation of mining licenses for over 25 forest reserves, including twelve Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas. The repeal has prevented imminent and widespread ecological destruction, setting a critical precedent for the protection of Ghana’s remaining forests and the livelihoods of local communities. 

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Strengthening civil society for advocacy

In partnership with IUCN NL, as part of Forests for a Just Future and Bottom Line!, ARG strengthened civil society’s ability to combine research, community perspectives, and legal analysis into clear advocacy positions. This helped building a broader coalition that used evidence, media engagement, and sustained dialogue with decision-makers to highlight mining risks in forest reserves and push for stronger legal safeguards. In October 2025, following the mounting public pressure and dialogue with civil society, the Government of Ghana tabled a revocation instrument in Parliament. Its adoption in December 2025 formally repealed L.I. 2462, closing the legal pathway for mining in forest reserves.

Engaging with decision-makers

A Rocha Ghana also successfully helped shaping the extractives agenda of the new administration elected in 2025 through sustained and strategic dialogue with key ministries and government agencies. By engaging early and consistently with decision-makers, ARG created space to raise concerns, share evidence, and build support for stronger environmental governance. Through this ongoing engagement, ARG continues to emphasise the need for robust safeguards to protect forests, water resources, and environmental human rights from the impacts of extractive activities.

This work also contributed directly to the implementation of IUCN Resolution 103 on Safeguarding Biodiversity and Human Rights in Energy Transition Mineral Governance. This groundbreaking resolution, proposed by A Rocha Ghana and supported by IUCN members and conservation allies worldwide, calls on governments, companies, and civil society to ensure that the global shift to renewable energy does not come at the expense of planetary health and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Forest for a Just Future

Through the Forests for a Just Future programme of the Green Livelihoods Alliance, IUCN NL has contributed to more sustainable and inclusive governance of tropical forests. With our partners, we have promoted climate mitigation, water provisioning, biodiversity, and human rights and that safeguards the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples and local communities.

A just energy transition

Bottom Line! supported a fair, sustainable energy transition with minimal impact on people and nature. Together with a coalition of civil society organisations, we have worked towards a fair energy transition with the lowest possible impact on people and nature, both in the Netherlands and in sourcing countries like Indonesia, Ghana, and the Philippines.