Minerals Commission Calls on China to Help Ghana Fight Illegal Mining
The Minerals Commission has called on the Chinese Government to strengthen its cooperation with Ghanaian security and regulatory agencies to combat illegal mining, particularly activities involving Chinese nationals operating in the country.
By Beatrice Badu
The Minerals Commission has called on the Chinese Government to strengthen its cooperation with Ghanaian security and regulatory agencies to combat illegal mining, particularly activities involving Chinese nationals operating in the country.
The call was made by Isaac Tandoh, who delivered the keynote address at the China-Ghana Mining Cooperation Conference held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Addressing government officials, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Cong Song, industry leaders, traditional authorities and media representatives, Mr Tandoh said illegal small-scale mining had become a major threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, forest reserves and national security.
He noted that although Ghana and China had maintained cordial relations for more than six decades, the activities of some Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining threatened the credibility of the bilateral relationship.
Mr Tandoh cited the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended, which reserves small-scale mining licences exclusively for Ghanaian citizens. He explained that foreigners who engage in small-scale mining commit an offence punishable by 20 to 25 years’ imprisonment, followed by deportation.
He also raised concerns about the practice of fronting, where foreign entities allegedly use Ghanaian individuals or companies to acquire mineral rights. He disclosed that several Chinese nationals had been arrested during operations on major rivers, including the Birim and Tano.
To encourage legal mining activities, Mr Tandoh said the Commission had designated blocked-out areas for law-abiding Ghanaian small-scale miners.
He further disclosed that provisions were being made in law for a medium-scale mining arrangement that would allow foreign investors to own up to 40 per cent stakes in mining companies in partnership with Ghanaian counterparts.
According to him, the arrangement would create opportunities for foreign investors who wish to participate in Ghana’s mining sector but lack the financial capacity to undertake large-scale operations, while protecting the country’s regulatory framework.
On the contribution of Chinese investment to Ghana’s mining industry, Mr Tandoh acknowledged the role of Chinese companies, including Zijin, Chifeng and Shandong, in the sector.
He cited Zijin’s acquisition of the Akyem Mine, saying the company had increased production by 20 per cent without expanding its workforce or upgrading existing infrastructure.
He also described Shandong Gold’s Ghanaian operation as the best-performing mine within the company’s global group.
However, he stressed that the benefits of mining cooperation must go beyond commercial interests to include environmental protection, employment creation and sustainable development.
Mr Tandoh urged the Chinese Government to treat illegal mining involving its nationals as a bilateral enforcement priority and work closely with Ghana to identify and dismantle the financial and logistical networks supporting galamsey.
He also called for the use of China’s advanced technology to trace and disrupt the supply chains, equipment and capital that support illegal mining operations.
Additionally, he urged the Association of China-Ghana Mining to take a more active role in promoting compliance among its members and reporting illegal activities rather than protecting individuals involved in unlawful operations.
Minerals Commission, he assured, would continue to enforce Ghana’s mining laws without fear or favour while supporting investors committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
He said Ghana expected Chinese investments to create decent jobs for citizens, respect the environment and support local content objectives.
Mr Tandoh maintained that the long-standing friendship between Ghana and China must be protected through mutual respect and accountability, insisting that illegal mining had no place in the partnership.
He concluded by calling for a mining cooperation framework that would deliver prosperity to mining communities, protect the country’s natural resources and ensure that the wealth beneath Ghana’s soil benefited the people.
