China and Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer, are embroiled in a diplomatic row over the rampant problem of illegal gold mining, known as “galamsey”.
As global gold prices soar, a growing number of Chinese firms are investing billions of dollars in Ghana’s lucrative gold sector. However, the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in illicit mining operations has ignited major debate.
It has prompted the Chinese ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, to push back against accusations that Chinese nationals are solely to blame for the illegal mining activity.
He said Chinese nationals could not obtain local mining licences and were often brought in by Ghanaians who facilitated the illegal mining operations.
“The issue did not originate from the Chinese. Some of those who are even caught red-handed are simply migrant workers trying to make a living,” Tong told local media in Ghana last week.
He said the “perception is unfair to me, personally, and to the majority of Chinese nationals here”.
