Chinese Envoy Defa decries unfair Galamsey coverage

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has appealed to the Ghanaian media to adopt a more balanced, comprehensive, and fair approach in reporting on China’s role in Ghana, particularly on issues relating to illegal mining (galamsey).

Speaking on Thursday, December 12, 2025, at a high-level workshop in the Eastern Region focused on Ghana–China mining relations, Ambassador Defa expressed concern that the significant contributions of Chinese businesses are frequently overshadowed by negative coverage centred on the actions of a few individuals involved in illegal mining.

He argued that three days of open dialogue and technical engagement between Ghanaian journalists, policymakers, and mining industry actors should facilitate a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding China’s presence in Ghana’s extractive sector. According to him, the media must move away from emotionally charged narratives and instead present a balanced picture of Ghana–China cooperation.

Ambassador Defa emphasised that hundreds of legitimate Chinese companies continue to operate responsibly across various sectors, contributing heavily to economic growth, employment creation, infrastructure expansion, and community development. However, he noted that these positive developments rarely make headlines.

“Sometimes, I feel it is a little bit unfair. I admit that there is a tiny number of Chinese involved in illegal mining in this country. But those isolated incidents can always become a hotspot for news coverage. On the other hand, there are hundreds of Chinese companies doing business in this country quite well in all sectors, and they have contributed hugely to social and economic development and to helping create jobs for local people,” he stated.

China Affirms Support for Ghana’s Anti-Galamsey Efforts

Addressing the sensitive issue of illegal mining, Ambassador Defa reiterated the Chinese government’s firm position on the conduct of its citizens abroad. He maintained that Beijing fully supports Ghana’s efforts to combat galamsey and continues to caution Chinese nationals to comply strictly with the laws of their host countries.

“The Chinese government consistently requires the Chinese nationals overseas to abide by the laws and regulations of their host countries, resolutely opposes any illegal activities of Chinese citizens abroad and supports the Ghanaian government in its efforts to deal with the galamsey issue, which has a long history and is very complicated,” he noted.

He further highlighted that several Chinese-owned large-scale mining companies, including those under the Association of China–Ghana Mining (ACGM), are actively engaged in sustainable mining practices and community development initiatives that rarely receive media attention.

“There are several huge companies doing sustainable mining and social activities in their local communities, but they are not covered in the news. I appeal to our media friends to report comprehensively and objectively about China, to report more stories to demonstrate Ghana-China friendship and to keep the Ghanaian people the whole full picture about China and to nurture our good friendship between the two countries,” he said.

Contextualising China’s Role in Ghana’s Development

The Ambassador’s remarks come at a time when public debate on illegal mining remains intense due to its destructive impact on water bodies, food security, and community livelihoods.

Despite this, China remains a critical development partner in Ghana’s infrastructure, energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors.

Major Chinese-supported projects include the 400MW Bui Hydroelectric Dam, the expansion of national road networks, and energy contributions from Sunon Asogli Power. In the mining sector, Chinese companies such as Shandong Gold and Chifeng Gold—now operators of the Wassa Mine—continue to invest in sustainable extraction, local employment, and community support.

China also remains one of Ghana’s largest bilateral investors, supporting industrialisation and job creation across multiple sectors.

Ambassador Defa’s call therefore seeks media reporting that reflects the full spectrum of Ghana–China cooperation, ensuring that isolated acts of illegality do not overshadow decades of positive bilateral engagement.