The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), with support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian High Commission, convened a national dialogue today to address the rising risk of violent extremism in Ghana’s mining communities.
The event, which was held at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, researchers, and experts to discuss emerging threats and propose practical solutions. The national dialogue, as part of the Mining for Peace (M4P) project, is aimed at bringing together relevant stakeholders to provide critical insights, proffer new ideas and propose solutions in curbing illegal mining whilst building resilience against violent extremism.
Presenting findings from the Mining for Peace (M4P) project, WACCE and FOSDA highlighted how youth unemployment, economic vulnerability, and community grievances are creating an environment in which extremist groups can thrive. Speakers also warned of increasing arms proliferation, cross-border criminal networks, youth unemployment and the growing appeal of illegal mining (galamsey) due to its profitability and the absence of commensurate alternative economic opportunities in mining communities.
In a keynote address, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Yussif Sulemana (MP), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating galamsey by increasing alternative livelihood opportunities. He outlined various initiatives being implemented by the government and stressed the need for stronger community engagement by mining companies and called attention to the security risks posed by foreign illegal miners operating in the country.
The Australian High Commissioner – Ms. Owen Jones – praised the M4P project for its efforts to develop viable and sustainable livelihoods for young people in mining areas, while reaffirming Australia’s commitment to peace and security in Ghana. She highlighted key initiatives by the High Commission including the West Africa Mining Security conference (WAMS) and fellowships for journalists in the minerals extractive sector.
Executive Director for Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), Madam Theodora Williams Anti, speaking as a panelist emphasized the reality of youth unemployment in mining communities as local content requirements and Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) programs fail to adequately target local unemployed youth. Panelists and participants highlighted that crackdowns alone cannot address the challenges around illegal mining and extremist recruitment. Rather, they called for long-term investments in job creation, community resilience, strengthened firearm regulation, and improved relationship between mining companies and host communities. Some attendees also expressed frustration about the alleged involvement of authorities in the illegal mining industry.
Mr. Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, Executive Director at WACCE, urged swift and coordinated action, noting that “Every day we miss an opportunity to act, it allows space for a worse situation. Ghana must not wait until the threat escalates to the level we see elsewhere in the region. We have a responsibility to act now.”
