The Government of Ghana has announced a revision of visa processing procedures for Chinese nationals as part of renewed efforts to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 15, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, explained that while some Chinese nationals have been implicated in illegal mining activities, these actions are not sanctioned by the Chinese government.
“There’s no official China-Ghana policy to come and destroy our environment. They have been supporting us to get rid of their nationals who come in. I have been cracking down, arresting them, prosecuting them, and we will continue to arrest and prosecute,” Mr. Ablakwa stressed.
He revealed that the Ghanaian government is engaging Chinese authorities more deeply to combat the menace, following a recent diplomatic mission to China.
“I can confirm to you that as part of my recent visit to China, I told them the position of President John Dramani Mahama and told them that this cannot continue. We made it clear to the city authorities that they cannot send their nationals here to engage in galamsey,” he said.
As part of the new measures, stricter visa policies have been introduced for Chinese nationals. Effective immediately, Ghana’s embassy in Beijing and consulate in Guangzhou will no longer process group visa applications, a move aimed at tightening immigration oversight.
The government says the revised policy is part of a broader crackdown to protect the country’s environment and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
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