𝑳𝑶𝑵𝑮 𝑳𝒀𝑭

Ghana Welcomes Chinese Investment, But Galamsey Has No Place in Our Partnership. Isaac Tandoh, (CEO of the Minerals Commission), has called for stronger cooperation between Ghana and China to promote responsible mining and clamp down on illegal mining activities. Speaking at the China Ghana Mining Cooperation Conference held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on November 10, 2026, he highlighted the long standing relationship between Ghana and China, dating back to the days of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao Zedong. He acknowledged China’s significant contribution to Ghana’s mining industry through investment, technology and expertise, citing the operations of Zijin, Chifeng and Shandong. He particularly commended Zijin for increasing production at the Akyem mine by 20% without expanding its workforce or upgrading infrastructure. However, he stressed that the growing involvement of some Chinese nationals in illegal small scale mining poses a serious threat to Ghana’s water bodies, forests, farmlands and national security. He made it clear that Ghanaian small scale mining licences are reserved exclusively for Ghanaian citizens under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). Foreigners who engage in illegal small scale mining face 20 to 25 years in prison, followed by deportation. He also warned against the practice of using Ghanaian companies as fronts to acquire mining rights for foreign interests. He further disclosed that the Minerals Commission is creating designated areas for law abiding Ghanaian small scale miners and making provision for a medium scale mining arrangement that will allow foreign investors to own up to 40% stakes in mining companies alongside Ghanaian partners. Isaac Tandoh also called on the Chinese government to work closely with Ghanaian security and regulatory agencies to arrest offenders, dismantle the financial and logistical networks behind galamsey, and ensure that the China Ghana Mining Association promotes compliance rather than protecting illegal activities. He emphasised that Ghana remains open to Chinese investment, but such investments must create jobs for Ghanaians, respect the environment, promote local participation and operate within the laws of the country. His message was clear: Ghana welcomes Chinese investment, but no friendship or business relationship should come at the expense of our environment, natural resources and national interest.