Not all Chinese involved in galamsey, says Ambassador

By Solomon Nartey Tetteh

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has called for a more balanced narrative in Ghana’s media discourse on illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey,’ and urged deeper cooperation between the two countries to address the complex challenges of illegal migration and environmental degradation.

Speaking during a press briefing in Accra, Ambassador Defa acknowledged concerns about the involvement of Chinese nationals in illegal mining but insisted that Chinese individuals involved represent only a small fraction of a much wider problem.

“It is the Ghanaian people who often draw Chinese people here. Some of those caught red-handed are just migrant workers trying to make a living. But we have strict rules, and if any Chinese citizen is caught violating Ghanaian law, we support your government’s right to take lawful action,” he said.

The Chinese ambassador emphasized that any Chinese national involved in illegal activities would face consequences both in Ghana and in China.

“They will not get a proper passport again, they will never return to Ghana, and they will be punished by Chinese law enforcement,” he stated.

Ambassador Defa urged journalists to see the broader context rather than single out Chinese nationals.

“There are illegal migrants from many neighboring countries, but it is always the Chinese who are named in headlines. There are Indians, Nigerians, Malians involved too. It feels unfair to me and to the majority of Chinese people who are here contributing positively,” he stressed.

The Chinese ambassador pointed to several examples of Chinese investments benefiting Ghana, including the Shifen mining company and Kedah Ceramics in the Western Region, which he said employs over 4,000 Ghanaians directly and supports nearly 50,000 jobs across related industries.

“These companies are not only creating jobs but are also helping to protect the environment and support local agriculture,” citing a palm oil initiative that involves local chiefs and farmers, he said.

Ambassador Defa challenged the prevailing narrative that galamsey is a Chinese-driven problem, noting that the illegal mining sector supports millions of Ghanaians economically.

“This is not an issue caused by China. It is a deep-rooted socioeconomic problem. Even if you stop Chinese involvement, the issue will remain,” he noted.

The Chinese ambassador also lamented the fact that most official engagements happen without direct consultation with the Chinese Embassy.

“No Ghanaian official has approached me to discuss these matters directly, yet I often see media reports that place the blame squarely on China. That’s not fair diplomacy,” he said.

The Ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ghana in managing illegal migration and enforcing immigration laws. He said the Embassy cooperates with Ghana’s immigration and law enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders are held accountable.

“Anyone who breaks the law should face the consequences. We support that. But we should not label an entire nationality based on the actions of a few,” he said.

Ambassador Defa expressed concern about the conditions in Ghanaian immigration detention facilities and acknowledged the systemic challenges Ghana faces.

“I understand your detention conditions are very poor. Sometimes there’s not even enough food in the facilities. We must work together to improve this.”

The Chinese Ambassador also reiterated China’s long-term policy, to encourage its citizens to obey local laws, to penalize violators, and to build stronger ties with Ghana through cooperation, not conflict.