Ghana, China collaborate for sustainable mining
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned against illegal mining saying offenders will face the full force of the law, regardless of their status, political affiliation or influence.
He explained that government remains resolute in its fight against illegal mining which continues to devastate communities, pollute water bodies, and destroy farmlands across the country.
“Illegal mining remains a critical challenge, threatening our environment, our communities, and the integrity of our mining sector. We consider it an act of environmental terrorism, and we have stated unequivocally that we will not condone any form of illegality in the mining industry,” he said.
The notice comes amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, and increasing calls for stricter enforcement of regulations.
Several illegal mining operations have in recent years been linked to foreign nationals, including some Chinese operators.
ACGM
A speech read on his behalf at the inauguration of the Association of China-Ghana Mining (ACGM) in Accra, by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said as part of efforts to promote responsible mining commended the establishment of the ACGM, advising the association to uphold Ghana’s mining laws and serve as a model for ethical mining practices.
Dignitaries at the event included the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo; the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama among others.
“We expect the association to ensure that its member’s trade in full compliance with Ghana’s mining laws and regulations, the ACGM must be a beacon of integrity, contributing positively to our national development agenda,” he added.
He reaffirmed government's commitment to working closely with ACGM to enhance and streamline Chinese investment in Ghana’s mining sector.
“Through structured cooperation, we can unlock new opportunities while ensuring that mining activities align with Ghana’s broader developmental and sustainability goals,” he said.
The association which brings together leading Chinese mining enterprises operating in Ghana, including Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd (a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Group), Golden Star (Wassa) Ltd (a subsidiary of Chifeng Gold Group), and other established companies will champion sustainable mining, increased investments and improved community development.
As a non-profit platform, it aims to promote shared growth and technology transfer between China and Ghana.
Potential for development
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, said Ghana is abundant with mineral resources, particularly in gold, bauxite, and lithium, with vast potential for development.
He explained that for years, China and Ghana have maintained close cooperation in the mining sector where Chinese enterprises have invested billions of dollars to establish mining factories, carried out technical cooperation, and trained many young talents, making significant contributions to Ghana's mining sector.
At the same time, he said the Ghanaian government has been continuously optimising its mining policies, promoting sustainable and inclusive mining, and striving to achieve a balance between resource utilisation and environmental protection.
Mr Defa said the establishment of ACGM serves as both a bridge for win-win cooperation between China and Ghana in the mining sector, and an important platform for strengthening communication between governments, businesses and local communities.
“The establishment of this association aligns with Ghana's goals of modernizing its mining industry in a sustainable way, and could help Chinese enterprises better integrate into the local market, enhance the quality of cooperation, and achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.
Ghana’s lush forest and clear waters are as valuable as gold and silver. The association should place equal importance on environmental protection and mining development, continuously encouraging mining companies to safeguard the local ecosystem,” he said.
Assurance
For his part, the Chairman of ACGM, Tang Zhenjiang, said guided by China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the visionary strategies of Ghana’s government under President Mahama, the association is confident that China-Ghana mining cooperation will reach unprecedented heights.
“His Excellency Mr President, we want to assure you and the Ghanaian Youth that, the ACGM will partner with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in the Youth in Mining Programme which will run under the cooperative system as was recently announced. Our focus is to promote responsible mining, technological innovation and community-driven development.
Through this association, we will unify industry consensus, integrate resources, fulfill social responsibilities, and empower communities. Together, we will write a remarkable new chapter in China-Ghana collaboration and strengthen the enduring bond between our peoples,” he said.