Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to protect Ghana's mining sector. Speaking at the sixth West Africa Mining Security (WAMS) Conference in Accra, he stressed that securing the industry requires coordination among various stakeholders. These include government institutions, security and intelligence agencies, mining companies, financial institutions, border authorities, and host communities.
Terlabi noted that mining security should be part of Ghana's broader national and regional security framework. He advocated for security partnerships tailored to local conditions, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. This, he believes, will help address the unique security challenges facing the mining industry in Ghana and the wider West Africa region.
West Africa is endowed with significant mineral resources, including gold, bauxite, manganese, lithium, and iron ore. These resources have the potential to drive industrial development and contribute to the global economy. Terlabi reiterated Ghana's commitment to developing a mining sector that is secure, fosters investment, and benefits host communities while promoting national and regional stability.
The Australian High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Keara Shaw, also addressed the conference. She highlighted the importance of security, responsible environmental practices, and dialogue in building a sustainable mining industry in Africa. According to Shaw, security measures should protect people and legitimate economic activities while tackling organized crime and environmental challenges affecting the sector.
The WAMS Conference, hosted by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Australian-Africa Minerals & Energy Group (AAMEG) and MS Risk, brought together stakeholders to discuss emerging security challenges in the mining industry. The conference provided a platform for government representatives, diplomats, security agencies, mining leaders, and other stakeholders to share experiences and strengthen collaboration.
The Deputy Interior Minister's call for an integrated security approach reflects the complexities of mining security in Ghana and West Africa. The region has faced various security challenges, including armed robbery, vandalism, and environmental degradation, which have impacted the mining industry. A collaborative approach is seen as essential to addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing the security challenges facing the mining industry in West Africa. Stakeholders acknowledged the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mining security, one that balances the interests of various stakeholders while promoting sustainable development and stability in the region.
Key points
- Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi calls for a collaborative approach to mining security in Ghana.
- The Australian High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Keara Shaw, stresses the importance of security, responsible environmental practices, and dialogue in building a sustainable mining industry.
- The West Africa Mining Security Conference provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss emerging security challenges in the mining industry.
