Ambassador Kojo Bonsu told Channel One News in Tianjin that the Chinese government is deeply concerned about illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, in Ghana, especially the participation of some Chinese nationals in the activity.
He said the Chinese government, led by President Xi Jinping, has taken the issue seriously and is collaborating with Ghana to address it, assigning provincial officials to engage with Ghanaian authorities on measures to curb the menace.
Bonsu noted that discussions between former President John Dramani Mahama and Xi Jinping had resulted in a commitment by China to support efforts to tackle illegal mining. He added that the Chinese government has even instructed the Guangxi province to help resolve the problem.
“The Chinese government is very angry 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.
Beyond fighting illegal mining, the ambassador said the embassy is seeking reputable Chinese mining companies to invest responsibly in Ghana. He cited Zijin Mining and Cardinal Namdini as examples of investors Ghana would like to see operating within the framework of responsible mining.
“All those Chinese companies coming to Ghana through us are responsible. They will do what we call responsible mining that will not affect the environment,” he assured.
Bonsu emphasised Ghana’s objective is to secure investments that bring capital, technology, skills development and technology transfer, while rejecting any “mushroom investor” who might use questionable means to engage in illegal mining.
He pledged to continue working until Chinese involvement in illegal mining in Ghana becomes a thing of the past.
