Ghana and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against illegal mining while expanding collaboration in geological exploration, environmental protection and responsible investment in Ghana’s mining sector.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and China’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian, on the sidelines of the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, China.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, who led the Ghanaian delegation alongside Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, described the discussions as a significant step towards addressing challenges in the mining sector and improving oversight of the activities of Chinese companies operating in Ghana.
He said the two countries would work together to ensure that Chinese nationals involved in mining in Ghana comply with the country’s laws and face appropriate sanctions when found engaging in illegal activities.
“This is very important in how we collaborate on critical areas of the natural resources sector. This includes how to work with them in policing Chinese companies that are working in Ghana to make sure that they meet the highest standards,” he said.
The Minister added that persons found engaging in galamsey would not only be dealt with under Ghanaian law but could also face action through mechanisms involving the Chinese authorities.
The renewed cooperation will also focus on green mining technologies, environmental protection, technology transfer, geological surveys and mapping, as well as the development of Ghana’s critical mineral resources.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said a joint technical team would be established to coordinate and implement the areas agreed upon by the two countries.
“We have all agreed to form a technical team to move this forward,” he said, while acknowledging the role played by Ghana’s Ambassador to China in facilitating the engagement.
For his part, Mr Sun Shuxian expressed China’s readiness to provide technical assistance to Ghana to strengthen its geological sector.
He proposed increased cooperation in geological mapping, technological innovation and the assessment of critical mineral resources in key geological zones.
“We are ready with you, and our proposal is that we suggest more collaboration on the Geological Survey and technological innovation,” he said.
China also offered to support Ghana with satellite remote sensing and airborne geophysical surveys to address gaps in the country’s geological data.
Mr Sun further proposed the establishment of joint laboratories for mineral exploration, particularly in areas involving resources such as gold and lithium.
He said the two countries could also organise regular technical exchanges and training programmes, including annual exchanges of experts to undertake joint field studies.
“On an annual basis, we can send our technicians to each other’s country to help with joint training on field studies so we can help Ghana with technical support,” he added.
The China Geological Survey is expected to lead the follow-up on the proposed technical cooperation, while China’s Department of International Cooperation will serve as the main coordinating body on the Chinese side.
Mr Sun welcomed Ghana’s appointment of a focal person to oversee the implementation of the agreement, saying the move would help translate the discussions into concrete action.
“I’m happy that you have identified a focal person to follow up on our collaboration so that our meeting would not just be about talking but walking the talk,” he said.
Both countries are also considering the establishment of a dialogue mechanism to facilitate discussions on sustainable mining, mineral value chains and intelligent mining.
Mr Sun described the meeting as constructive and expressed the hope that the partnership would lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
He subsequently invited Mr Armah-Kofi Buah and the Ghanaian delegation to Beijing for further discussions on areas of cooperation.
The Chinese delegation also shared its experience in restoring abandoned mining sites as Ghana seeks to strengthen environmental safeguards within the sector.
Mr Sun said China had developed extensive experience in rehabilitating degraded mining areas and allocated about one billion Chinese yuan annually from the central government for the restoration of abandoned mining pits.
He expressed China’s willingness to share its rehabilitation practices and technical experience with Ghana.
Other members of the Ghanaian delegation included Minerals Commission Chief Executive Isaac Tandoh, Director-General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Dr Prosper Aduah Akaba, and Chief Executive Officer of GIISDEC, Williams Okofo Dartey.
