Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, has revealed that the Chinese government is concerned about the involvement of some Chinese nationals in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview, Ambassador Bonsu said the Ghana Embassy in China is working with Chinese authorities to promote responsible mining investments while helping to curb illegal mining activities linked to Chinese nationals.
“Some Chinese citizens involved in galamsey enter Ghana through unofficial channels and operate without obtaining the required licences from the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. I know everyone in Ghana is talking about galamsey, but the Chinese government is outrage about all those galamsey issues. These are people who come to Ghana through the back door and don’t go through the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to acquire proper licences but through dubious means,” he said.
Ambassador Bonsu added that discussions between President John Dramani Mahama and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the issue have led to a commitment from the Chinese side to support Ghana’s efforts to fight illegal mining.
“Chinese authorities have taken the matter seriously and are encouraging companies operating in Ghana to comply with the country’s mining and environmental regulations.”
Beyond tackling illegal mining, Ambassador Bonsu said the Ghana Embassy in China is also engaging reputable Chinese mining companies to invest in Ghana’s mining sector through responsible and sustainable practices.
