Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Tong Defa, has stirred national controversy by asserting that Ghana “can never eliminate” illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, and must instead find ways to manage its environmental impact.
Addressing journalists at a media interaction at his private residence in Accra on Thursday, June 19, the envoy blamed Ghanaians—not Chinese nationals—for the deepening galamsey crisis, insisting that locals are the ones facilitating the illegal activities.
“To my understanding, in this country, you can never eliminate those small mines. In such mines, there will always be illegalities,” he said. “We need to find ways to solve this problem. The government needs to work on a policy to eliminate the pollution of water bodies and forests.”
The ambassador’s comments come amid renewed national outrage over the environmental devastation caused by galamsey. Civil society groups, including the Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining, have called for stronger action against financiers and political actors behind the illegal trade.
Ambassador Defa dismissed the widespread perception that Chinese nationals are at the centre of illegal mining operations in Ghana.
“I don’t understand why when people say galamsey, they equate it to Chinese,” he stressed. “Actually, it is not Chinese. It didn’t originate from China. Chinese nationals cannot obtain licences or permits. It is the Ghanaian people who bring the Chinese here.”
He suggested that many of the Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining are merely migrant labourers brought in by locals seeking quick financial gains.
“Some of those who were caught red-handed are just migrant workers. I have a social media account, and when I post on X, people tag me with galamsey as if it is caused by China. It is unfair to me and to the majority of Chinese,” he lamented.
Ambassador Defa also highlighted the significant role Chinese companies play in Ghana’s infrastructure development.
“A lot of your projects are built by Chinese companies—your roads, your ports, etc. Do ordinary Ghanaians even know this?” he asked.
His remarks are expected to further intensify the national debate on foreign involvement in Ghana’s illegal mining sector and the government’s commitment to enforcement.
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