WACCE Ghana: Urges Galamsey State of Emergency Declaration

• Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), urged the Ghanaian government to declare a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas.
• The call, made at the 9/11 Memorial Security Dialogue in Accra, highlighted that illegal mining creates social insecurity exploitable by extremist groups.
• Muqthar emphasized that Ghana's current security challenges demand an emergency approach to address galamsey and other national vulnerabilities.
• Adib Saani, Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre, advocated for greater involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) in national security decisions.
• Saani stressed that CSOs are uniquely positioned to understand community-level security concerns and are crucial for effective program implementation by the National Security Secretariat.

The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism argues that the pervasive issue of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has fostered conditions of social insecurity ripe for exploitation by extremist organizations.

The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) has issued a strong appeal to the Ghanaian government, urging the declaration of a state of emergency in regions severely impacted by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. This significant call was made by Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, the Executive Director of WACCE, during the 9/11 Memorial Security Dialogue held at the organization's Accra office on September 11. The core argument underpinning this plea is that the widespread and unregulated nature of galamsey is actively fostering conditions of social insecurity, which could be exploited by extremist groups.

According to Muqthar, extremist organizations actively seek out "ungoverned spaces" or areas where the enforcement of laws is notably weak. These vulnerabilities, he explained, become prime targets for exploitation, allowing such groups to establish a foothold and expand their influence. He asserted that the galamsey crisis should have been recognized and declared a national emergency much earlier, underscoring the need for unprecedented approaches to tackle the problem effectively.

The Executive Director's remarks highlight a critical intersection between environmental degradation, economic illicit activities, and national security. The pervasive nature of Ghana illegal mining emergency conditions, he suggests, creates a fertile ground for destabilization, making the country susceptible to threats that extend beyond mere environmental damage or economic loss. Addressing galamsey, therefore, is framed not just as a law enforcement issue but as a fundamental imperative for preserving national integrity and preventing the escalation of security risks.

Adding another crucial perspective to the dialogue, Adib Saani, who serves as the Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, participated as a panelist. Saani advocated for significantly increased involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) in national security decision-making processes. He argued that CSOs are often uniquely positioned to understand the nuanced security concerns at the community level, primarily due to their consistent and direct interactions with local residents.

Saani underscored that Ghana faces a multitude of security challenges, many of which originate internally, even as the nation remains vigilant against external threats. He stressed that the responsibility for safeguarding national peace and security should not be exclusively borne by uniformed personnel. Instead, he proposed that all stakeholders, including CSOs, have a vital role to play. He specifically urged the National Security Secretariat to foster closer collaboration with civil society organizations when developing and implementing security programs, asserting that their on-the-ground presence and trusted relationships with communities are indispensable for success.

The collective sentiment from the 9/11 Memorial Security Dialogue points to a perceived failure in previous attempts to curb illegal mining and other security vulnerabilities. Saani explicitly stated that implementing security initiatives without the active participation of CSOs is "bound to fail," drawing parallels to past unsuccessful endeavors. This perspective reinforces the argument that a top-down approach, devoid of community-level insights and trust, is insufficient for tackling complex issues like the Galamsey national security Ghana challenge.

The calls for a Ghana state of emergency galamsey declaration, coupled with the demand for enhanced civil society engagement, underscore a growing recognition that multifaceted problems require comprehensive and inclusive solutions. The dialogue highlighted that effective governance in security matters necessitates not only decisive action but also a deep understanding of local dynamics and the active participation of those who interact daily with affected populations. This integrated approach, it is argued, is essential for truly addressing the root causes of insecurity and preventing their exploitation by extremist elements.

Lawyers and compliance officers should closely monitor calls for a state of emergency in galamsey-prone areas in Ghana. A declaration could lead to significant legal and operational changes, including potential restrictions on land use, mining activities, and business operations, requiring immediate assessment of compliance risks and contractual obligations for clients operating in or near affected regions.

Source: Original reporting via Nancy Koomson