The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said he has initiated talks with Chinese authorities to help address Chinese nationals' involvement in illegal mining activities in Ghana.  

According to him, most Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Ghana are from the Nanning area in China and so on Friday, June 14, 2025,  he held discussions with Nanning city officials led by Vice Mayor Mr Guo Wei as part of his working visit to China.  

He made this known in a Facebook post on Saturday, June 15, 2025.

Mr Ablakwa described the talks as “frank and positive,” stressing the government’s firm stance against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.  

“I made it clear that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining, whether by locals or foreigners,” Mr Ablakwa stated. “Those caught will face the full force of the law.”  

The discussions centred on preventive measures, including awareness campaigns in Nanning about the legal consequences of participating in illegal mining in Ghana.

“We explored ways to discourage this activity at its source by educating potential offenders about the severe penalties they could face,” Mr Ablakwa explained.  

He also announced stricter visa regulations to screen foreign nationals suspected of intending to engage in illegal mining. “These new requirements will help filter out individuals who may harm Ghana’s environment and water bodies,” he said.  

Both parties agreed to strengthen lawful economic cooperation between Ghana and China.

Mr Ablakwa noted their shared goal of promoting responsible business practices as part of Ghana’s renewed economic diplomacy efforts.