During the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and China’s Ministry of Natural Resources signed a three‑point strategy to tackle illegal mining, strengthen technical cooperation in geological surveys and promote responsible investment in Ghana’s mining sector.
Ghana’s Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah, led the delegation alongside Ambassador Kojo Bonsu. He called the agreement a breakthrough for streamlining Ghana’s mining industry and attracting quality investment.
Buah said the pact would ensure that Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, face sanctions in both countries. He added that the collaboration would involve policing Chinese companies operating in Ghana to meet the highest standards.
The strategy also aims to boost the capacity of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and to facilitate technology transfer, green mining technology and environmental protection. A technical team will be established to implement the agreed areas of cooperation.
China’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian, expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in geological surveys, technological innovation, mapping and critical mineral resource assessment. He offered satellite remote sensing, airborne geophysical surveys and joint laboratories for prospecting gold and lithium.
Sun also proposed annual personnel exchanges and joint training on field studies. He welcomed Ghana’s designation of a focal person to coordinate the agreement and highlighted China’s Department of International Cooperation as the primary focal point.
Beyond tackling illegal mining, the Chinese delegation shared experience in rehabilitating abandoned pits, noting that the central government allocates about one billion yuan annually for site restoration and that China follows stringent environmental standards.
Other Ghanaian officials present included Isaac Tandoh, Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission; Dr. Prosper Aduah Akaba, Director‑General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority; and the CEO of GIISDEC.
Both sides plan further discussions in Beijing to expand cooperation on sustainable mining, mineral resource industrial chains and intelligent mining.
