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Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa policies for Chinese nationals as part of government’s efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Accountability Series on Monday, 15 September 2025, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that during his recent visit to China, he delivered President John Dramani Mahama’s firm position on the issue.
“I can confirm to you that as part of my recent visit to China, I told them the position of President John Dramani Mahama and told them that this cannot continue. We made it clear to the city authorities that they cannot send their nationals here to engage in galamsey,” he stated.
The Foreign Minister further disclosed that Ghana’s diplomatic missions in Beijing and Guangzhou have now adopted new visa guidelines aimed at tightening entry for Chinese nationals.
“The new policy is now at our embassy in Beijing and our consulate in Guangzhou, where we no longer process group visa applications; that is the new policy,” he explained.
Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the move is part of a broader government strategy to tackle illegal mining, which continues to pose environmental, social, and economic threats to Ghana.
