Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has renewed calls for urgent regional cooperation to combat illegal mining, describing it as a major threat to governance, security, and sustainable development in West Africa.
Speaking at the West Africa Mining and Security (WAMS) Conference organized by the Australian High Commission at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the minister underscored the wide-ranging consequences of illegal mining.
He warned that the practice not only undermines governance and fuels corruption but also jeopardizes economic growth, climate change mitigation efforts, and regional peace.
“Illegal mining remains a major concern in Ghana and across the sub-region, with research showing that 64% of illicit and organized crime proceeds are linked to environmental crimes,” Muntaka said.
He stressed the need for innovative and united strategies to tackle the menace, adding that illegal mining continues to erode national development gains.
The WAMS Conference brought together stakeholders to explore the intersection of mining, security, and sustainable development, with participants pledging to strengthen cross-border collaboration in addressing environmental crimes.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
