The Chinese government is ready to fully leverage its technological and financial advantages to support Ghana in developing a comprehensive green and sustainable mining industry, according to the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa.

Speaking today, Thursday, December 12, 2025, at a media workshop in the Eastern Region, Ambassador Defa emphasised that China’s future collaboration will focus heavily on environmental protection, technological transfer, and responsible mineral resource management, ensuring an “effective synergy between resource exploitation and environmental protection.”

Commitment to Green Mining and Ecological Restoration

Ambassador Defa highlighted that the strategic partnership, solidified during the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Mahama in October, will ensure that Ghana's natural resources are transformed into sustainable drivers for development.

“China is willing to fully leverage its advantages to conduct full-chain cooperation with Ghana in the field of mineral resources, including geological surveys, mineral exploration, resource development and environmental protection.”

He stressed that Chinese enterprises are under strict direction to operate responsibly:

“China always urges enterprises to operate in accordance with the laws and regulations to severely crack down on illegal activities and promote ecological restoration and greening of mining areas, and work with Ghana to jointly promote the green and sustainable development of Ghana’s mining industry.”

This focus includes actively sharing experience to help Ghana “improve its technology, upgrade its mining equipment, control costs, increase revenue, and enhance the added value of minerals.”

Evidence of Responsible Investment

The Ambassador cited several outstanding Chinese mining companies already demonstrating responsible practices, which are setting a benchmark for “responsible and green mining activities” and enhancing the friendship between the two nations:

• Shandong Gold (Kadino Namadini): This company, with 94% of its approximately 1,600 contractor employees being local Ghanaians, invested ≈US$2 million in community development (medical, education, infrastructure) and built a 25-kilometre public road connecting over 10 local communities.
• Chifeng Gold (Wassa): This firm established the Golden Star Community Development Fund, investing ≈US$4.5 million for local infrastructure like schools, clinics, and drinking water projects. They are also pioneering a partnership to establish Golden Star Oil Palm Plantations Limited on formal mining land, planning to build a processing plant to add value to palm oil and increase farmer income.

Deepened Cooperation and Strategic Alignment

The commitment to sustainable mining is driven by high-level collaboration and strategic planning:

1. Association of China-Ghana Mining: Established in April 2025, this initiative aims to deepen cooperation and tangibly improve the livelihoods of local people.
2. Official Exchange Programs: The Ambassador revealed that Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, and Deputy Minister George Mireku Duker have visited Chinese mining giants like Tianyuan Manganese Industry and Zijin Mining to learn about Chinese sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices.
3. Belt and Road Synergy: The 4th Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China Central Committee adopted the recommendations of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for strengthening strategic alignment with Belt and Road partner countries like Ghana, representing greater opportunities for high-quality, mutually beneficial cooperation.

Ambassador Defa concluded by reaffirming the Chinese Embassy’s role as a bridge for practical cooperation, encouraging more Chinese investment to support Ghana's economic and social development.