Let's Ensure That Terrorist Groups Do Not Take Over The Mining Sector-National Peace Council.

Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, the Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC) has called on Ghanaians to be conscious of the emerging security threats posed by violent extremists under the disguise of small-scale illegal mining, popularly referred to as ‘galamsey’.

In many mining communities, the continued environmental destruction and pollution of water bodies are worrying developments but asked communities to be more vigilant to protect the livelihoods of the various community members.

"Additionally, while efforts have been made by government agencies, including security agencies and civil society organizations are doing their best to clamp down on illegal mining and its challenges brought by ‘galamseyers’ persistent destruction remained burdensome, sometimes with fatal dangerous outcomes, he said".

He commented on the Ministry of National Security's calls for stakeholders to support the strategies to weed out illegal miners and ensure that terrorist groups do not take advantage of the mining sector out of ignorance.

Addressing a day's capacity-building workshop on countering violent extremism for fishers in Central Region at Elmina, he cautioned other authorities to be mindful of land allocations in the mining sector and appealed to Ghanaians to protect the peace, stability, and integrity of the country to uphold what we have to sustain the country.

The gathering sought to empower in the countering violent extremism, terrorism and radicalization, conflict prevention, and peace-building strategies.

According to the National Peace Council Chairman, the Ministry of National Security had announced the growing threat of terrorism in the sub-region and the expansionist drive of terrorist groups towards coastal West African states, with a renewed modus operandi of targeting public gatherings, including places of worship.

He said since peace is paramount to our social life, precautionary measures need to be taken by all stakeholders to prevent any possible terrorist attack in the country.

He said that the National Security has collaborated with the relevant state security and intelligence agencies in preparation to avert any possible terrorist attacks in the country to counter it.

He said, “this is the only country we have and everybody in this country must work towards the peace of our country. "The threat of terrorism is real and those of us in the realm of affairs should intensify efforts to create awareness in our communities on the need for vigilance and support to our security agencies who are well poised to deal with any situation."

Story by Opamago Paparichy.