Deputy Interior Minister Calls for Integrated Approach to Mining Security
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called for a coordinated approach to mining security that brings together state institutions, security agencies, mining companies, financial institutions, border authorities and host communities.
He said the growing complexity of threats confronting the mining industry required stakeholders to move beyond the traditional practice of focusing security efforts solely on mining sites.
According to Mr Terlabi, protecting West Africa’s mineral wealth must be part of the broader national and regional security architecture, with stronger collaboration among institutions responsible for security, intelligence, finance, border management, and natural resource governance.
He made the call in Accra on Tuesday, addressing the sixth West Africa Mining Security (WAMS) Conference.
The Deputy Minister said West Africa’s abundant mineral resources, including gold, bauxite, manganese, lithium and iron ore, presented significant opportunities for industrialisation and economic transformation, but also required effective security arrangements to protect legitimate investments and prevent criminal exploitation.
He stressed the need for countries and industry players to develop security partnerships that responded to their specific circumstances rather than simply replicating models from other jurisdictions.
“Effective partnerships must involve adapting successful approaches to local realities,” Mr Terlabi said, noting that the security challenges facing the mining sector were increasingly interconnected and could not be addressed by a single institution.
He said Ghana remained committed to building a mining sector in which security protected legitimate investment, investment created opportunities, opportunities strengthened communities, and strong communities contributed to national and regional stability.
Mr Terlabi further emphasised the importance of involving communities in mining security, particularly those located in and around mining areas, as their cooperation could contribute significantly to early identification of emerging threats and the protection of legitimate mining operations.
The Australian High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, H.E. Keara Shaw, noted the importance of security, responsible environmental practices and constructive dialogue in developing a sustainable mining industry in Africa.
She said security should not only protect people and legitimate economic activities, but also address organised crime and environmental challenges associated with the mining sector.
The Commissioner described the WAMS Conference as an important platform for professionals and stakeholders to exchange experiences, examine emerging threats and strengthen collaboration to improve security within the mining industry.
The sixth WAMS Conference was hosted by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Australian-Africa Minerals & Energy Group (AAMEG) and MS Risk.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
