Maximizing Security Operations to Promote Socio-Economic Development in Mining Firms in Ghana

Abstract

The study investigated maximizing security operations to promote socio-economic development in mining firms in Ghana. The study respectively drew 1082 security personnel drawn at random from the selected mining firms. Using the sampling ratio proposed by Cochran (1963: 75) to arrive at variability p = 0.5 (maximum variability) and with the desire of 95% confidence level and ±5% precision. Hence, this study was based on a sample population of 216 security personnel of the five selected mining firms in Ghana. 91 personnel from the Anglogold Ashanti, 57 from Newmont, 31 from Ghana Bauxite, 19 from Ghana Manganese, and 18 from Future Global Resource. The study employed questionnaires as a data collection tool. The study gathered 146 responses out of 216 questionnaires administered, representing 68%. The data were analyzed using frequency tables, pie charts, bar charts, percentages, and line graphs. The study concluded that not all mining firms have installed security infrastructure to the fullest. Thus, where there might be CCTV, there might not be any form of electronic fencing, adequate security gates, and doors, as well as GPS. It was also revealed that the respective mining firms were faced with major challenges especially when the community feels insecure or cheated by the mining firms. The study recommends that the mining sectors should invest in well-resourced security infrastructure development to enable the security actors to exercise equal responsibility for warding criminals, firm properties, and employees, and enforce mining laws to promote the socio-economic activities of these mining sites.