Two hundred (200) Police Officers of the Ghana Police Service have been commissioned to provide security for large-scale mining companies’ concessions across the country.
The officers deployed on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, had undergone a 10-day redeployment training programme at the Ghana Police Command and Staff College in Winneba of the Central Region
They studied courses including Mineral law, Voluntary Principles, Human Rights, Officer Safety, Weapon Handling,and Use of Minimum Force.
The Deputy Minister Designate for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. George Mireku Duker, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the sector Minister, underscored the importance of the deployment, adding that Government was determined to build a “viable and sustainable mining industry to mutually benefit the State and the investment community”.
He commended the five-member Committee inaugurated by the Sector Minister to oversee the provision of security for the mines, and thus, urged them to continue their good work to ensure sustainable mining practices.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Supt. Henry Ayisi Mensah, admonished the officers to exhibit professionalism at all levels and not to condone and connive in illegalities.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr Sulemana Koney, expressed the Chamber’s appreciation to government for agreeing to provide security for mining companies.
He noted that the mining industry continued to be a major contributor to the national economy.
He assured the Chamber’s commitment to provide the necessary support and cooperation to the team on the field.
The 10- day special mining training for the 200 Police officers who were drawn from all 16 regions, started from 24th of April to 5th May, 2021.
Also present at the passing-out ceremony today were the Deputy Minister Designate for Information Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, Technical Director for Mines at the Ministry Mr. Peter Awuah and the Director of Special Weapons and Tactics(SWAT) Chief Supt. Theodore Hlormenu.