As the world observes the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” Ghanaian environmentalist Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director at A Rocha Ghana, is issuing an urgent wake-up call:
“Repeal LI 2462 now, or we risk losing our forests and our future.”
Bosu’s message underscores the gravity of Ghana’s biodiversity crisis. While global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) push nations toward sustainability by 2030, Bosu warns that Ghana’s current policies are moving in the opposite direction.
“We are watching our forests, wetlands, and rivers die in silence. If Parliament does not revoke LI 2462, we are on a fast track to ecological collapse,” Bosu said in a statement marking IDB 2025.
At the center of Bosu’s concern is Legislative Instrument 2462 (LI 2462), a controversial law that grants access to mining in all of Ghana’s forest reserves. Environmentalists argue that this policy directly contradicts Ghana’s biodiversity commitments and puts the country’s most vital ecosystems in jeopardy.
“Repealing LI 2462 is not optional — it’s urgent,” Bosu emphasized.
“More than 60% of our forest reserves are at risk. Every delay endangers irreplaceable species and the ecosystem services they provide.”
Bosu also reiterated long-standing calls for the Atewa Forest to be declared a National Park. A biodiversity jewel, Atewa is home to more than 1,000 plant species, 230 bird species, 570 butterfly species, and 50 mammal species. It’s recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) — critical to global conservation efforts.
“Protecting Atewa is a litmus test of Ghana’s sincerity in conserving biodiversity. If we cannot save Atewa, then what can we save?” Bosu asked.
In line with the 2025 IDB theme, Bosu outlined a set of immediate interventions to secure what remains of Ghana’s natural heritage:
Repeal LI 2462 to stop mining in forest reserves.
Designate Atewa Forest as a National Park to ensure its permanent protection.
Strengthen monitoring and enforcement across Ramsar Sites, Protected Forest Reserves, and wetlands to prevent illegal activities such as poaching, logging, and mining.
Restore mangrove ecosystems and support community-led conservation efforts.
Preserve urban green spaces like the Achimota Forest and maintain city trees, highlighting their health and climate benefits for urban dwellers.
AM/KA