Spain has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana in the fight against illegal mining, as key stakeholders gathered at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra for a high-level national dialogue on the safety and security implications of galamsey.

The National Validation and Dialogue Workshops on the Safety and Security Ecosystem of Illegal Mining brought together government officials, security agencies, researchers, civil society organisations and international partners to examine the growing security, environmental and governance challenges linked to illegal mining.

Delivering the opening remarks on Tuesday, March 24, Her Excellency Isabel Escarlata Ibarra Serrano De Haro, Deputy Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between Ghana and its partners in addressing the crisis.

Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Angel Lossada, she expressed appreciation to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre for its leadership and its close cooperation with the Embassy of Spain in Accra in advancing the initiative.

She noted that months of fieldwork had preceded the national dialogue, with research teams engaging communities and authorities across the Ashanti Region and Western Region—areas heavily affected by illegal mining activities.

“These engagements have provided invaluable insights into the evolving security implications of galamsey,” she said, adding that regional workshops held in Kumasi and Takoradi brought together stakeholders from government, academia and civil society to critically examine the issue.

The Deputy Ambassador explained that the national forum builds on these earlier consultations, providing a platform to elevate regional perspectives and reflect on research findings at a national level.

She stressed that illegal mining is no longer simply an environmental or economic issue, but one that threatens community stability, weakens public trust in institutions, and undermines sustainable development.

“Every honest reflection brings with it the possibility to refine strategies, strengthen institutional cooperation and reinforce resilience,” she stated, describing the workshop as a key opportunity to improve Ghana’s response to the challenge.

She also reaffirmed Spain’s broader commitment to supporting Ghana and the wider region in promoting peace and security.

Citing the principle that development and security must go hand in hand, she said Spain’s engagement is rooted in shared values and long-term partnership.

“Our cooperation with Ghana has grown steadily through training programmes, capacity-building initiatives and security projects that strengthen institutions and enhance resilience,” she added.

Spain’s involvement in regional security efforts in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, including maritime patrols and support for border management and anti-organised crime initiatives, was highlighted as part of its ongoing commitment to stability. Ghana, she said, remains a trusted partner in these efforts.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, warned that illegal mining has become a complex national threat requiring urgent and coordinated action.

He described the workshop as a crucial moment in a structured process aimed at translating grassroots experiences into national policy.

According to him, the initiative had progressed from extensive regional consultations to the national level.

Two validation workshops held in the Ashanti and Western Regions brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including mining communities, traditional authorities, district assemblies, youth and women’s groups, regulators, security agencies and civil society organisations.

“These engagements have enriched our understanding of the lived experiences of those most affected by illegal mining and provided a credible foundation for this national forum,” he said.

Brigadier General Ayorrogo stressed that illegal mining has evolved into a multifaceted challenge that cuts across environmental protection, livelihoods, governance and national security.

He raised concerns about weak institutional coordination and fragmented mandates, warning that these gaps allow criminal networks to operate, particularly in remote and high-risk mining areas.

He also pointed to a growing security dimension, including reports of illegal and improvised weapons circulating in some mining corridors, linking the issue to broader organised crime and regional instability.

Against this backdrop, he emphasised the importance of aligning Ghana’s legal, regulatory and security frameworks with realities on the ground.

“This is an opportunity for honest reflection on where our coordination mechanisms are working and where gaps, overlaps or ambiguities continue to weaken implementation and public confidence,” he said.

He highlighted the role of the National Integrated Mechanism for Addressing Illegal Mining, calling for stronger collaboration among ministries, security services, regulators and development partners to ensure effective implementation of policy recommendations.

Brigadier General Ayorrogo further noted that the ultimate goal of the forum is not only to generate discussion, but to produce a practical roadmap with clear responsibilities, timelines and monitoring mechanisms.

“Our objective is to ensure that communities in mining-affected areas experience real improvements in safety, accountability and opportunity,” he stated.