Chinese Ambassador urges Ghanaian Journalists to ensure balanced reporting on mining sector

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has called on Ghanaian journalists to adopt a more balanced and comprehensive approach when reporting on the mining sector, especially issues involving Chinese companies.

He emphasised that accurate and responsible journalism is essential for strengthening China–Ghana relations and advancing sustainable mining practices.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day training workshop on Sustainable Mining for Journalists in Aburi, Mr. Tong reiterated China’s support for Ghana’s efforts to eliminate illegal mining (galamsey). However, he noted that the national conversation must also highlight the positive contributions of Chinese companies operating legally within the country.

The workshop, organised by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in partnership with the Association of China–Ghana Mining (ACGM), aims to equip journalists with deeper knowledge of sustainable mining practices, ethical reporting standards and regulatory frameworks. Participants include journalists and resource persons from regulatory institutions, academia and the mining industry.

Mr. Tong stated that while a few individuals from China have been linked to illegal mining, their actions should not overshadow the work of reputable Chinese firms that continue to invest significantly in Ghana’s mining communities. He stressed that these companies contribute to job creation, technology transfer, community development and responsible mining—yet such contributions often receive limited media attention.

“As the Chinese Ambassador, I feel a little bit unfair. Chinese people involved in galamsey represent a very small minority. There are thousands of Chinese companies doing well in the country and making huge contributions to the community. These big companies focus on long-term and sustainable mining in this country,” he said. He urged journalists to “report comprehensively and objectively about China” to help strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Tong mentioned companies such as Shandong Gold, Zijin Mining, Chifeng Gold, Xiaocheng Technology and Tianyuan Manganese as examples of firms operating responsibly and in strict compliance with Ghanaian regulations. At Shandong Gold’s Cardinal Namdini Mine, he disclosed that 94 percent of the 1,600 contractor staff are Ghanaian, with more than $2 million invested in community-focused projects including education, health, sanitation and a 25-kilometre access road linking over 10 communities.

He also referenced Chifeng Gold, operator of the Wassa Mine, which has invested approximately US$4.5 million in a Community Development Fund supporting schools, clinics, water systems and roads, while also developing a medium-scale palm oil processing facility to support local agriculture.

According to him, these examples represent “only the tip of the iceberg,” and he encouraged journalists to conduct more field visits to appreciate the full scale of contributions made by responsible Chinese mining companies.

Mr. Tong reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s mining sector reforms, environmental management efforts and broader industrial transformation. He noted that recent engagements between President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama demonstrated China’s readiness to deepen cooperation in mining, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

“China is willing to fully leverage its advantages to conduct full-chain cooperation with Ghana—from geological surveys and exploration to resource development and environmental protection. We always urge enterprises to operate in accordance with laws and regulations and to crack down on illegal mining severely,” he said.

He added that the workshop aligns with China’s vision of promoting environmentally responsible mining and supporting Ghana’s efforts to convert its natural resources into long-term development gains. The Ambassador expressed confidence that the training would improve understanding, enhance collaboration and encourage fairer reporting that supports sustainable development.

General Manager of the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Albert Kofi Owusu, said the training is aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity to report responsibly on mining and natural resource governance. He noted that the media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding and ensuring accountability in the extractive sector.

Mr. Owusu highlighted that mining remains vital to Ghana’s economy but faces serious threats from illegal and unregulated activities that continue to damage the environment and affect community livelihoods. He described the collaboration between GNA and ACGM as an important step in promoting responsible mining and accurate reporting.

Chairman of the Association of China–Ghana Mining, Tang Zhenjiang, also underscored the increasing investments Chinese firms are making in local communities, including scholarships, infrastructure development, solar power projects and support for vulnerable groups. He said responsible mining must go hand in hand with responsible reporting to ensure that public narratives reflect the true picture on the ground.