The Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, is calling for a united national approach to tackling illegal mining, warning that the problem has grown far beyond isolated incidents and has become a serious threat to governance and human security in Ghana.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the National Validation and Dialogue Workshops on the Safety and Security Ecosystem of Illegal Mining, he described the gathering as a “pivotal moment” in shaping a more effective national response.

He explained that the forum builds on months of work, starting from community-level engagements and moving through regional consultations to a national platform where real decisions can be made.

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Brigadier General Ayorrogo disclosed that recent validation workshops held in the Ashanti Region and Western Region brought together a wide range of voices from mining communities and traditional leaders to security agencies and civil society groups.

These discussions, he said, provided a clearer picture of how illegal mining is affecting everyday lives and exposed the gaps in the current system.

“What has emerged clearly is that illegal mining can no longer be addressed through isolated enforcement actions or sector-specific responses,” he said.

He stressed that the issue now cuts across environmental damage, youth unemployment, economic survival, and public trust in state institutions.

Concerns were also raised about poor coordination among state agencies, which he noted has allowed criminal networks to adapt and operate more freely, particularly in remote mining areas.

He further warned about reports of illegal and improvised weapons circulating in some mining zones, describing the situation as a growing security risk with links to organised crime.

Against this backdrop, he said the national forum offers a chance to take a hard look at whether Ghana’s laws and enforcement systems are truly working on the ground.

“This is a moment for honest and constructive reflection, to determine where our coordination mechanisms are effective and where gaps, overlaps or ambiguities continue to undermine implementation, accountability and public confidence,” he stated.

He highlighted the role of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as key to building a coordinated and nationally-driven response.

Brigadier General Ayorrogo further called for stronger collaboration across government institutions, security agencies, local authorities, and development partners to turn the recommendations into real action.

He acknowledged the support of the Embassy of Spain in Accra for helping move the initiative from research and dialogue to policy engagement.

Looking ahead, he said the goal is to produce a practical roadmap with clear responsibilities, timelines, and monitoring systems to ensure progress is not just discussed but achieved.

“We aim to ensure that communities in mining-affected areas experience tangible improvements in safety, accountability and opportunity,” he added.

He urged participants to remain open-minded and focused on solutions, emphasising that restoring public trust will depend on collective efforts and genuine collaborations.

NA/AE

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