The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Tong Defa, has reaffirmed the Government of China’s “consistent, clear and unchanging” support to Ghana in its ongoing fight against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Ambassador Tong Defa stressed that China continues to urge its citizens abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and “resolutely opposes any illegal activities, including galamsey.”
He described illegal mining as a “long-standing and complex issue,” but emphasised that China fully supports Ghana’s government in tackling the problem.
“Our position on galamsey is consistent, clear and unchanging,” he stated. “The Chinese government requires all its citizens overseas to abide by local laws, and we support the Ghanaian authorities in dealing with any illegal activity.”
He made the declaration at the opening of a three-day training workshop on sustainable mining for editors and reporters, organised by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and sponsored by the Association of China–Ghana Mining. The workshop, held in Aburi, brought together journalists from the Upper East, Western and Greater Accra Regions under the theme: “Green Mining: Best Practices and Responsible Reporting.”
The ambassador, however, expressed concern about what he described as disproportionate media focus on a “tiny minority” of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining, while the “positive contributions” of major Chinese companies go largely unreported.
“Hundreds of Chinese companies operate legally and contribute immensely to Ghana’s economy, creating jobs and supporting communities,” he said. “I appeal to the media to report comprehensively and objectively about China and highlight stories that reflect China–Ghana friendship.”
He cited major investments by companies such as Shandong Gold, Chifeng Gold, Zijin Mining and Xiaocheng Technology, noting their compliance with Ghana’s laws, significant social interventions, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
For example, Shandong Gold, operators of the Namdini Mine in Talensi in the Upper East region, employs 94% Ghanaian staff, has built roads and invested nearly US$2 million in community projects. Chifeng Gold has also committed US$4.5 million to community development, including schools, clinics, water systems and support for smallholder farmers.
Ambassador Tong said China is committed to deepening cooperation with Ghana in the mining sector through technology transfer, environmental protection, responsible mining practices and increased training.
He referenced a recent high-level meeting between President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama in Beijing, where both leaders pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries.
“China is ready to help Ghana transform its natural resource advantage into a driver of national development,” he added.
The ambassador highlighted ongoing collaborations between Chinese and Ghanaian mining authorities, including a recent China–Ghana Mining Cooperation Roundtable, and visits by Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to Chinese mining firms to learn about green technologies.
“We are learning that technologies exist to make small-scale mining clean, safer, and more sustainable,” he noted. “This workshop is a platform for the media to deepen their understanding of those technologies.”
The training is expected to equip journalists with deeper knowledge of sustainable mining practices and promote responsible reporting that supports Ghana’s environmental protection efforts.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Aburi
