A recent statement by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has triggered widespread backlash after he claimed that Ghana “can never eliminate” illegal mining—known locally as galamsey—and blamed Ghanaians for employing Chinese nationals in the environmentally destructive activity. The ambassador made the remarks during a media engagement in Accra last week, asserting that local complicity, not foreign involvement, is at the heart of the galamsey crisis. “It is your own people who invite our nationals to mine illegally,” he said. The comments have been met with sharp criticism from environmental advocates, civil society groups, and lawmakers.
Awula Serwah, coordinator of the environmental group Eco-Conscious Citizens, described the ambassador’s remarks as deflective and dismissive of the grave environmental crisis facing Ghana. “Illegal mining has decimated forests, polluted rivers, and destabilized entire communities,” she said. “This is a national emergency, and we must not allow foreign officials to downplay it or shift blame.” Galamsey has long been a source of tension in Ghana, not only for its environmental damage but also due to the alleged involvement of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens. The Ghana Immigration Service and Minerals Commission have, over the years, deported several foreign nationals linked to illegal mining operations, though critics say enforcement remains weak and corruption widespread.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has repeatedly vowed to crack down on galamsey, but efforts have faced setbacks, including allegations of political interference and lax regulation. Ambassador Tong’s remarks have further strained public perception of China’s role in Ghana’s mining sector. While China remains one of Ghana’s largest investors and trading partners, its footprint in small-scale mining has raised alarms over environmental abuses and the exploitation of local resources.
Ghanaian lawmakers, including some members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, have called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Chinese envoy for clarification, warning that such comments risk undermining diplomatic goodwill. As Ghana continues to struggle with balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability, illegal mining remains a deeply polarizing issue—one that has now ignited diplomatic tension as well.
