The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, today delivered an address on the deep partnership between China and Ghana in the mining sector, strongly reiterating the Chinese government's policy that its nationals overseas must strictly adhere to local laws.

Speaking at a three-day workshop in the Eastern Region, the Ambassador emphasised China's clear and consistent opposition to illegal mining (galamsey) while appealing to the Ghanaian media for "comprehensive and objective" reporting that captures the significant positive contributions of Chinese companies.

Official Stance: 'Consistent, Clear, and Unchanging'

Ambassador Defa used the platform to reinforce Beijing’s firm stance on the controversial issue of galamsey, which has involved a number of Chinese nationals.

“The Chinese government consistently requires the Chinese citizens overseas to abide by the laws and regulations of their hosting countries and resolutely opposes any illegal activities by Chinese citizens abroad.”

He stressed that this official position is “consistent, clear, and unchanging,” underscoring China’s commitment to responsible partnership.

The Appeal for Fairness: Data on Positive Impact

While acknowledging that a "tiny part of Chinese" are involved in illegal activities which “can always become a hotspot by news coverage,” the Ambassador contended that the focus on these isolated incidents is often unfair.

He urged media practitioners to cover the larger narrative of beneficial cooperation.

He cited numerous examples of legitimate, large-scale Chinese mining companies that are promoting "responsible and green mining activities" and making huge investments in Ghana:

The Ambassador mentioned that he himself visited the Shandong Gold and Chifeng Gold operations and noted the tangible impact on local communities.

He also highlighted Chifeng Gold's initiative to establish Golden Star Oil Palm Plantations Limited on formal mining land and their plan to build a medium-sized oil palm processing plant to enhance farmers' income and employment.

“So here again, I appeal to the media friends to report comprehensively and objectively about China, to report more stories that demonstrate China-Ghana friendship, and to give the Ghanaian people a whole full picture about China and to help nurture our good friendship between the two countries.”

Future Blueprint for Collaboration

Ambassador Defa noted that the future of the bilateral relationship was recently solidified during a successful meeting in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ghanaian President Mahama in October.

The leaders outlined a blueprint for pragmatic cooperation rooted in the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith.

China is eager to expand collaboration across key sectors—mining, energy, infrastructure construction, agriculture, and fisheries—to transform Ghana's natural resources into sustainable drivers for development.

The Ambassador cited recent cooperation initiatives:

• Association of China-Ghana Mining (ACGM): Established in April this year to deepen sector cooperation.
• Knowledge Transfer: Both Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, and Deputy Minister George Mireku Duker have visited major Chinese mining sites (Tianyuan Manganese, Zijin Mining) to learn about sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The Ambassador noted that the newly adopted recommendations of the 15th Five-Year Plan of the Communist Party of China Central Committee will strengthen strategic alignment with BRI partners like Ghana, opening up greater opportunities for "full-chain cooperation" in mineral resources, including geological surveys, environmental protection, and technological upgrading.

The workshop, which the Ambassador wished great success, aims to foster a deeper understanding that ensures effective synergy “between resource exploitation and environmental protection.”