The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has made a plea to the Ghanaian media, urging for a more balanced and comprehensive narrative regarding Chinese involvement in Ghana, particularly concerning illegal mining (galamsey).

Speaking today, Thursday, December 12, 2025, at a workshop in the Eastern Region focused on Ghana-China mining relations, the Ambassador argued that the extensive positive contributions of Chinese businesses are consistently overshadowed by negative coverage of isolated illegal acts.

Ambassador Calls for Objective and Comprehensive Media Reports

Ambassador Defa stressed that three days of intense dialogue and exchange should equip journalists with a better understanding of the complexities of the Ghana-China partnership in the mining sector.

He emphasised that the media must step back from emotionally driven headlines to capture the full picture of the bilateral relationship.

His primary argument is that Chinese businesses are driving significant social and economic development, contributing to the construction of vital infrastructure, the employment of locals, and the boost of various industries.

Yet, he lamented, only the isolated bad incidents involving a few individuals get disproportionately reported.

“Sometimes, I feel it is a little bit unfair. I admit that there is a tiny number of Chinese involved in illegal mining in this country. But those isolated incidents can always become a hotspot for news coverage. On the other hand, there are hundreds of Chinese companies doing business in this country quite well in all sectors, and they have contributed hugely to social and economic development and to helping create jobs for local people.”

Chinese Stance on Illegal Mining

The Ambassador was categorical in affirming the Chinese government's official stance on citizens involved in illegal activities abroad, confirming that Beijing supports Accra’s efforts to tackle the deep-rooted galamsey issue.

“The Chinese government consistently requires the Chinese nationals overseas to abide by the laws and regulations of their host countries, resolutely opposes any illegal activities of Chinese citizens abroad and supports the Ghanaian government in its efforts to deal with the galamsey issue, which has a long history and is very complicated.”

He further highlighted the role of legitimate Chinese enterprises involved in sustainable mining and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, which often go unreported:

“There are several huge companies doing sustainable mining and social activities in their local communities, but they are not covered in the news. I appeal to our media friends to report comprehensively and objectively about China, to report more stories to demonstrate Ghana-China friendship and to keep the Ghanaian people the whole full picture about China and to nurture our good friendship between the two countries.”

Context: China’s Role in Ghana’s Development

The Ambassador’s appeal comes amidst heightened tension surrounding galamsey, which has severely degraded Ghana's water bodies and vast tracts of cocoa and farmland.

However, the economic partnership with China remains central to Ghana's development agenda.

• Infrastructure & Energy: Major Chinese-financed projects include the Bui Hydroelectric Power Project (400 MW), which expanded national power supply, and significant road networks. Chinese-owned companies like Sunon Asogli Power also contribute a substantial percentage of Ghana's national electricity output.
• Sustainable Mining: Chinese firms like Shandong Gold and Chifeng Gold (which acquired Golden Star Wassa) are prominent players in the large-scale mining sector and are active members of the Association of China – Ghana Mining (ACGM), an industry body formed to promote sustainable practices and community development.
• Investment: Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has poured heavily into Ghana's construction and manufacturing sectors, creating thousands of local jobs and supporting the country's import substitution strategy.

Ambassador Defa's call is for the media to contextualise the isolated actions of a few against the backdrop of these massive bilateral contributions.