Security must protect people and legitimate economic activity, Keara Shaw tells WAMS

The Australian High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Keara Shaw, has called for a broader understanding of security in Africa’s mining sector, arguing that security must protect people and legitimate economic activity while responding to organised crime and environmental risks.

Speaking at the sixth West Africa Mining Security Conference in Accra, Shaw said the long term sustainability of mining in Africa would depend on bringing security, responsible environmental practice and constructive dialogue together rather than treating them as separate concerns.

Her remarks came as government officials, mining executives, security professionals, diplomats and analysts gathered in Accra to examine the changing risk environment confronting mining operations and investment across West Africa.