Minerals Commission CEO calls for prosecution of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, has called for the strict enforcement of Ghana’s mining laws against Chinese nationals and companies involved in illegal mining, saying foreign investors must be held accountable regardless of their nationality.

Speaking at the China-Ghana Mining Cooperation Conference 2026, Mr Tandoh said Ghana’s mining regulations applied equally to all operators and that no foreign national or investor should be shielded from sanctions for breaking the law.

He said a proposed framework agreement between Ghana and China was expected to strengthen cooperation in enforcing mining regulations and prosecuting Chinese nationals found engaging in illegal activities.

“Under the new framework agreement we are doing with the Chinese government, they are supporting us to go ahead and prosecute Chinese who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. They will go through the sanctions, and when they go back, Chinese law will also take care of them,” he said.

The conference brought together stakeholders in Ghana’s mining industry, including the President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Frederick Attakumah, and China’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Cong Song.

Mr Tandoh said Ghana remained open to foreign investment in its mineral resources but insisted that all investors must operate within the country’s legal and regulatory framework.

His comments come amid continuing concerns about illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, which has contributed to the degradation of water bodies, farmlands and other natural resources.

China’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Cong Song, called for a balanced approach to mining cooperation, cautioning against using Africa’s natural resources as instruments of geopolitical rivalry.

He said the continent’s mineral wealth should instead support economic transformation, sustainable development and mutually beneficial international partnerships.

“Africa’s resources should not be used for political rivalry,” he said.

Mr Cong also emphasised the need for mutual respect and cooperation, as well as recognition of African countries’ development priorities in decisions concerning the management and use of their natural resources.

A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the China-Ghana Mining Talent Development Centre (CMTDC), an initiative aimed at strengthening technical skills, knowledge exchange and technology transfer in Ghana’s mining industry.

The centre is expected to serve as a training and capacity-building hub for Ghanaian workers and mining professionals, offering opportunities to acquire specialised technical expertise and industry-related skills.

Its proposed programmes are also expected to support the development of local capabilities and contribute to the modernisation of the mining sector.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to deepen Ghana-China mining cooperation while increasing Ghanaian participation across the mining value chain.

The partnership’s impact, however, will depend on its ability to deliver tangible benefits in areas such as responsible mining, environmental protection, technology transfer and skills development.