She said as a result of the challenges inherent in the mining sector, there is the need to support and strengthen the implementation of the Voluntary Principles to minimize conflicts and ensure that best practices are promoted and adhered to.

High Commissioner Cameron said this at the Voluntary Principles Initiative- Corporate Social Responsibility forum held recently at the Labadi Beach Hotel.

The theme for the event was: “Aligning the Voluntary Principles to mining operations in Ghana: challenges, lessons and opportunities for the future”.

Participants at the event included members of the Canada –Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Mineral Commission, the security services, mining companies and representatives of small scale miners.

High Commissioner Cameron said, being part of the Voluntary Principles Initiative, Canada has instituted the “enhanced corporate social responsibility strategy for its extractive companies abroad”.

She said this is to ensure that the companies abide by internationally recognized standards in their areas of operation.

High Commissioner Cameron said there is an office in the Canadian High Commission to provide advice and facilitate dialogue in this regard.

The Voluntary Principles is part global standard for business and human rights which governments around the world have adopted. And this is within the mandate of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011).

The Voluntary Principles Initiative was established in 2000. The Initiative is a multi-stakeholder forum comprising oil, gas, mining companies, civil society organizations and governments including Canada and Ghana.

Participating companies need to assess a number of factors within their operational areas including human rights, identification of security risks, causes of violence, rule of law and conflict analysis amongst others.

Guidelines for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights were created to help extractive companies anticipate and mitigate risks, avoid the use of excessive force and ensure that human rights are respected.