The Director of Intelligence Analysis at the Ministry of National Security, Dr Victoria Sam, says promised that the activities of illegal mining popularly known as ‘Galamsey’ will be a thing of the past.
In a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the 4th West Africa Mining Security Conference organized by the Australian High Commission in Ghana, Dr Victoria Sam assured that the five-member inter-ministerial committee set up by the president will draft strategic measures in ensuring the canker becomes a thing of the past in the country.
She said “One of the nation’s most critical challenges is illegal mining, or ‘galamsey,’ which poses a severe threat to the sustainability of our natural resources and the livelihoods of countless citizens. In response, the Minister for National Security is leading an ad-hoc committee established by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to reassess the government’s strategic approach to eradicating galamsey”.
Dr. Victoria reiterated the commitment of President Nana Akufo Addo’s readiness to collaborate with the International community and traditional leaders to combat the menace of illegal mining.
“This five-member committee is diligently working to develop more sustainable and effective measures by collaborating with local communities, traditional authorities, and industry experts. This signifies Ghana’s renewed commitment to confronting the menace, which has wreaked havoc on our environment” she noted.
She alluded that mining is become a means to terrorism in the sub-region.
“The Sahel remains at the forefront of these challenges, with insurgent groups targeting resource-rich areas. Mining assets and convoys transporting vital resources are prime targets. Despite the presence of security escorts, militant groups remain undeterred, posing a constant threat to mining operations.
“As terrorism spreads into littoral states, it has become evident that no country in the region is immune to these threats. Furthermore, there is significant evidence that these groups are exploring illegal mining sectors to fund their activities, even in countries where they are not yet operating openly.
“Ghana, in particular, is on high alert and continues to implement a range of measures to fortify its security posture against potential incursions”.
The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana Berenice Owen-Jones expressed that Australia has invested over $10 million in counter-terrorism activities across Africa. She noted Sub-Saharan Africa has become an extreme environment.
“Across the Sahel and other West African countries, expanding terrorist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State undermine the prospects for new investment and threaten the lives of both foreign and local workers in the resource sector.
“To address the threat, the Australian Government has invested over $10 million in counter-terrorism as well as preventing and countering violent extremism programs in Africa.
“We have done that through multilateral agencies and through sustainable, locally-driven efforts to counter the threat of terrorism and extremism” she remarked.
