China’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Cong Song, has pledged to support Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining, describing the practice as a threat to the environment, legitimate investment and sustainable mineral resource development.
The Ambassador made the commitment during a courtesy call by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, as the two sides discussed ways to strengthen Ghana-China cooperation in the mining sector.
According to the Minerals Commission, combating illegal mining was a major focus of the engagement, with Ambassador Cong Song identifying the fight against the practice as one of his key priorities since assuming office.
The Ambassador’s commitment comes amid Ghana’s continued efforts to address the environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with illegal mining and to promote responsible and sustainable exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
Mr. Tandoh welcomed the commitment and assured the Ambassador that the Minerals Commission remains committed to working with the Chinese Embassy, relevant state institutions and responsible stakeholders to tackle illegal mining.
The Commission said the collaboration would also seek to promote lawful, responsible and sustainable mining practices in Ghana.
Beyond illegal mining, the meeting explored broader opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade and investment in Ghana’s mining industry.
The two sides discussed expanding Chinese investment across the minerals value chain, technology transfer, local content development and increased cross-border trade in mining-related goods and services.
They also considered opportunities for capacity building, innovation and cooperation in modern mining technologies to support the sustainable growth and transformation of Ghana’s mineral sector.
Mr. Tandoh reaffirmed the Minerals Commission’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, predictable and investor-friendly regulatory environment capable of attracting responsible investment while safeguarding Ghana’s mineral resources for national development.
The engagement concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening Ghana-China cooperation towards a resilient, investment-driven and environmentally responsible mining sector that delivers sustainable socio-economic benefits to both countries.
