"Make fight against illegal mining involving your citizens a priority" – Minerals Commission boss to Chinese Ambassador

The Minerals Commission has called on the Chinese Government to make the fight against illegal mining involving its nationals in Ghana a priority, urging stronger cooperation with Ghanaian security and regulatory institutions to address the growing menace.

Isaac Tandoh made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the China-Ghana Mining Cooperation Conference held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The conference brought together government officials, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Cong Song, mining industry stakeholders, traditional authorities and media representatives to discuss issues surrounding mining and cooperation between the two countries.

In his address, Mr Tandoh identified illegal small-scale mining as a serious threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, forest reserves and national security, stressing the need for a coordinated approach to deal with the activities of individuals operating outside the country's mining laws.

He noted that although Ghana and China had enjoyed more than six decades of diplomatic and economic relations, the involvement of some Chinese nationals in illegal mining had become a source of concern and could undermine the confidence and goodwill underpinning the bilateral relationship.

He therefore urged the Chinese Government to work closely with Ghanaian authorities to identify, investigate and dismantle the networks supporting illegal mining, including those responsible for providing financial resources, equipment and logistical assistance.

Referencing the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended, Mr Tandoh reminded participants that small-scale mining licences are exclusively reserved for Ghanaian citizens.

He explained that foreign nationals who engage in small-scale mining activities in Ghana are in breach of the law and face imprisonment ranging from 20 to 25 years, followed by deportation.

He also raised concerns about the practice of fronting, where foreign individuals or companies allegedly use Ghanaian citizens or locally registered businesses to acquire mineral rights and undertake mining operations on their behalf.

According to him, the practice undermines the country's mining regulations and makes it necessary for authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures.

He disclosed that several Chinese nationals had been arrested during operations targeting illegal mining activities along major rivers, including the Birim and Tano.

As part of efforts to promote lawful mining, Mr Tandoh said the Minerals Commission had designated blocked-out areas for Ghanaian small-scale miners who are prepared to operate within the country's regulatory framework.

He further disclosed that provisions were being made for a medium-scale mining arrangement that would allow foreign investors to hold up to 40 per cent stakes in mining companies in partnership with Ghanaian counterparts.

He explained that the proposed arrangement was intended to provide an avenue for foreign investors who wish to participate in Ghana's mining industry but may not have the financial resources required for large-scale operations.

The initiative, he said, would create investment opportunities while maintaining Ghanaian participation and protecting the country's mining regulatory system.

Mr Tandoh acknowledged the contributions of Chinese companies, particularly Zijin, Chifeng and Shandong, to Ghana's mining industry.

He highlighted Zijin's acquisition of the Akyem Mine, indicating that the company had recorded a 20 per cent increase in production without expanding its workforce or upgrading existing infrastructure.

He also cited Shandong Gold's Ghanaian operation as the best-performing mine within the company's global group.

However, he emphasised that the benefits of mining cooperation should extend beyond investment returns and commercial performance to include environmental protection, employment opportunities, technology transfer and sustainable development.

He maintained that foreign investment must contribute meaningfully to the Ghanaian economy and improve the livelihoods of communities where mining activities take place.

The Minerals Commission boss specifically urged the Chinese Government to treat illegal mining involving its nationals as an important bilateral enforcement issue.

He called for closer intelligence sharing and the deployment of China's technological expertise to help Ghana identify and disrupt the supply chains, equipment networks and financial resources sustaining illegal mining operations.

He also challenged the Association of China-Ghana Mining to assume a more active role in ensuring that its members comply with Ghanaian mining laws.

Rather than protecting individuals engaged in unlawful activities, he said, the association should encourage responsible conduct and report suspected illegal operations to the appropriate authorities.

Mr Tandoh assured stakeholders that the Minerals Commission would continue to enforce Ghana's mining laws without fear or favour while creating an enabling environment for investors committed to responsible and sustainable mining.

He stressed that Chinese investments in Ghana must demonstrate respect for the environment, provide decent employment for citizens and support the country's local content objectives.

Concluding his address, he maintained that the longstanding relationship between Ghana and China must be protected through mutual respect, transparency and accountability.

He called for a mining cooperation framework that would promote investment, create prosperity for mining communities, safeguard Ghana's natural resources and ensure that the country's mineral wealth translates into tangible benefits for its people.

He insisted that illegal mining had no place in the partnership between the two countries and that genuine cooperation must be built on respect for Ghana's laws and commitment to sustainable development.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith