Don’t spare Chinese involved in ‘galamsey’ — Chinese Ambassador tells Ghana gov’t

The Chinese government has issued a stern warning to its nationals residing in Ghana, urging them to avoid participation in illegal mining activities amid the country’s escalating illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.

This illegal mining practice has led to severe environmental damage, including the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves, contributing to a growing water crisis.

There have been heightened concerns in recent weeks as the Ghana Water Company Limited reported significant pollution affecting crucial water sources.

In response to the situation, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, addressed the media, acknowledging that some Chinese individuals were involved in these illicit mining activities.

However, Ambassador Tong condemned engagement in such illegal activities and encouraged the Ghanaian government to deal with the matter decisively.

He reiterated that the Chinese government is committed to preventing its nationals from engaging in criminal activities and is working to support Ghana in finding effective solutions to the galamsey crisis.

This stance reflects China’s broader efforts to address the environmental and regulatory challenges posed by illegal mining in Ghana.

“I know there are some Chinese involved in this illegal mining but we discourage them.

“I accompanied President Akufo-Addo to Beijing when he met our President in 2018, our President told him that ‘if any Chinese committed any illegal sins here in Ghana, you should hold them accountable to your laws’. So we discourage Chinese people from doing this illegal mining,” he said.

Discussions about the severe consequences of galamsey have intensified following an announcement by the management of Ghana Water Company Limited.

They reported that the ongoing illegal mining activities are causing significant problems with water supply, particularly affecting Cape Coast, Elmina, and neighbouring communities in the Central Region.

This situation underscores the urgent need to address the galamsey crisis to mitigate its detrimental impact on essential water resources.

The company revealed that the recent demand-supply gap is due to inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant caused by galamsey activities.

Environmental groups, religious groups, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens have expressed growing frustration over the government’s insufficient progress in combating galamsey activities. Their calls for more effective measures have intensified as the environmental damage worsens.

On Wednesday, September 11, organized labour also issued a strong warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike if decisive action is not taken to tackle the escalating crisis by the end of September.

This ultimatum highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive response to address the environmental and social repercussions of illegal mining.