China’s Ambassador to Ghana, Cong Song, says the Chinese government firmly opposes illegal mining activities by Chinese nationals in Ghana and supports the country’s efforts to combat galamsey.
Speaking during a press briefing in Accra, Ambassador Cong Song acknowledged that illegal mining remains a major concern across Ghanaian society and stressed that China’s position on the issue remains “consistent, clear, and unchanged.”
“The Chinese government has always requested Chinese citizens overseas to abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, firmly opposes Chinese citizens to engage in any illegal activities, and supports the Ghanaian government to fight against illegal mining according to the law,” he stated.
The ambassador said China and Ghana share a common objective of protecting forests and water bodies, restoring degraded lands and promoting sustainable mining development.
Cong Song also highlighted what he described as the growing potential for cooperation between Ghana and China in the mining sector.
According to him, several Chinese companies operating in Ghana’s gold and manganese sectors are complying with local laws, promoting workforce localisation, introducing mining technology and helping improve operational efficiency within the industry.
He added that Chinese companies recently spearheaded the establishment of the China-Ghana Mining Association, which he said would strengthen collaboration between government and industry while supporting local economic development and self-regulation within the sector.
The ambassador further pointed to initiatives undertaken by some Chinese firms in Ghana, including biodiversity projects and industrial investments.
He cited a partnership between Zijin Mining and Ghana’s Forestry Commission to launch what he described as Ghana’s first large-scale mining biodiversity offset project.
Cong Song also mentioned that Keda Ceramics Factory had expanded production with a new ceramic sanitary ware production line.
The Chinese envoy appealed to the Ghanaian media to report more comprehensively and objectively on China-Ghana relations and the activities of the Chinese community in Ghana.
“I hope our media friends could report more on the positive achievements of the Chinese community in Ghana and stories that embody the friendship between China and Ghana,” he said.
According to the ambassador, stronger media engagement and cooperation would help promote stable and healthy relations between both countries.
