The Australian High Commission in Ghana has called for stronger collaboration between governments, security agencies and the mining industry in order to protect lives, promote peace and create sustainable livelihoods across West Africa’s mining communities.
Speaking at the fifth edition of the West Africa Mining Security Conference (WAMS) in Accra, Australia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, said the conference was not only about mining but about safeguarding development and regional stability.
The two-day conference, held from September 30, was organised in partnership with the Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group (AMEG) and MS Risk Ltd, among others.
Ms Owens-Jones stressed that the growing security concerns in West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism and political instability, required a coordinated and practical response that combines government action, industry vigilance and community engagement.
The event brought together diplomats, mining executives, security analysts, academics and civil society representatives to share insights and discuss best practices for keeping mining operations safe.
Fight against illegal mining
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who was the guest speaker, commended the High Commission for hosting such a conference.
Participants in the Conference
He noted that illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, had become one of the most pressing security challenges facing Ghana and the sub-region, as it was now linked to transnational organised crime, money laundering and even terrorist financing.
“Illegal mining is not just an environmental issue. It is a serious crime that threatens national stability and regional peace,” he said.
Citing findings from Ghana’s Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment, he revealed that over 60 per cent of illicit and organised crime proceeds in the region are connected to environmental and natural resource crimes, including illegal mining.
Since January 2025, he said, Ghana has arrested over 1,000 suspects involved in illegal mining operations, including both local and foreign nationals. Authorities have also seized more than 600 excavators and 500 water pumps, while over 1,200 hectares of degraded land have been reclaimed.
“These efforts reflect our government’s strong commitment to restoring sanity to the mining sector. But the threat is transnational and ever-changing. It requires strong collaboration across borders,” he added.
The Minister added that the government continues to engage local communities and civil society to promote lawful mining and environmental protection.
