China unhappy with nationals involved in galamsey in Ghana – Kojo Bonsu

Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, says the Chinese government is concerned about illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, involving some of its nationals in Ghana and is taking steps to support efforts to address the problem.

He said Ghana should focus on attracting investors who are prepared to operate responsibly, use appropriate technology and protect the environment.

According to Bonsu, legitimate Chinese mining companies entering Ghana through the proper channels will be expected to practise what he described as “responsible mining” and use technology that does not harm the environment.

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“All those good companies coming into Ghana through us are responsible. They are going to do what you call responsible mining. That would not affect the environment,” he said.

He mentioned companies including Shandong Gold, Zijin and Shifeng as examples of responsible investors and said the Chinese government was unhappy about the involvement of some Chinese nationals in illegal mining activities in Ghana.

Bonsu explained that some individuals enter Ghana through unofficial channels and engage in mining without obtaining the required licences and approvals from the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

“These are people who come through the country, through the back door. They don't go through the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands to acquire proper licences and they want to do it through the wrong means,” he said.

He said the Chinese government frowned on such activities and had taken the issue seriously following discussions between President John Dramani Mahama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He added that a province in China, which he identified as Guangxi, had been directed to engage with Ghana on efforts to help address the problem.

The Ambassador said Ghana’s objective was not simply to attract more mining companies but to bring in investors with the financial capacity, technology and commitment to operate responsibly while creating opportunities for Ghanaians.

“Our number one goal is to bring investors, but if we say investors, we mean genuine investors who bring good money and will be socially responsible to look after our people and bring technology for us to have a new system to learn,” he said.

He also said Ghana expected such investments to support skills development by training both skilled and unskilled workers while ensuring that mining activities did not cause further damage to the environment.

“We don't want to bring any mushroom company who bring any technology through the back to come and do galamsey. At the moment our environment is very important to us and that is what we're working on,” Bonsu added.

Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, says the Chinese government is concerned about illegal mining activities in Ghana, which have been linked to some Chinese nationals.

He says President Xi Jinping has assigned a provincial official to engage Ghana’s government on efforts… pic.twitter.com/fR3PzOAj87

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