Interior Ministry Champions Integrated Security Approach to Protect West Africa’s Mineral Economy
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called for a broader and more integrated approach to mining security, stressing that protecting the mineral economy requires more than securing mining sites.
According to Hon. Terlabi, the evolving security environment demands stronger coordination among government institutions, security and intelligence agencies, mining companies, financial institutions, border authorities and host communities.
Addressing the sixth West Africa Mining Security (WAMS) Conference in Accra, Hon. Terlabi said mining security must now be viewed as part of the wider national and regional security architecture.
He emphasised that effective partnerships should involve adapting successful approaches to local realities rather than simply transferring models from one country to another, particularly as West Africa’s considerable mineral wealth, including gold, bauxite, manganese, lithium and iron ore, holds significant potential to contribute to industrial development and the global economy.
Hon. Terlabi stated that Ghana remains 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.
The Australian High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, H.E. Keara Shaw, underscored the importance of security, responsible environmental practices and constructive dialogue in building a sustainable mining industry in Africa, noting that security should serve as a force that protects people and safeguards legitimate economic activity while addressing organised crime and environmental challenges confronting the sector.
She described the West Africa Mining Security Conference (WAMS) as an important platform for stakeholders and professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration on emerging security challenges in the mining industry.
The conference, hosted by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Australian-Africa Minerals & Energy Group (AAMEG) and MS Risk, brought together government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, security and intelligence agencies, mining industry leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging security challenges affecting the mining sector.
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