By: Hannah Dadzie
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on Chinese authorities to take concrete steps to dissuade their nationals from participating in illegal mining activities, popularly known as “galamsey.”
Speaking during a bilateral engagement with Vice Mayor of Nanning, Guo Wei, in China, the Minister expressed deep concern over the continuing role of some Chinese nationals in the degradation of Ghana’s environment. Mr Ablakwa pointed to official data which shows that a significant number of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Ghana originate from Nanning.
The Minister urged city officials to increase public awareness on the damage caused by galamsey and collaborate with Ghana to stem the tide.
As part of measures to tackle the issue, he highlighted Ghana’s implementation of new visa restrictions aimed at preventing illegal miners from gaining entry into the country.
The Minister emphasized the need to protect Ghana’s natural resources, especially its rivers and forests, from further destruction. He stressed that illegal mining not only threatens ecosystems but also undermines the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
For his part, Nanning’s vice Mayor, Guo Wei assured the minister of his commitment to educating Chinese citizens to protect the environment.
He however asserts that, other nationals may be responsible for illegal mining because their nationals are law abiding.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to promote lawful and transparent investment between Ghana and China. Both parties welcomed a new phase of economic diplomacy that prioritizes environmental responsibility and ethical business practices.
One Response
Diplomatic Missteps and the Blame Game: A Call for Accountability
How did Ghana reach a point where its ambassador abandons diplomatic decorum, speaking in tones unbecoming of his office? The answer is as painful as it is clear: weak leadership. When those entrusted with governance fail to act, frustration spills over—even among diplomats who should know better. But venting anger at foreign entities does not solve our problems; it only exposes our own institutional shortcomings.
Consider this: In Guangzhou, Nigerian nationals—like many other migrant groups—navigate a strict system where any misconduct is dealt with firmly by Chinese authorities. Beijing does not blame Abuja for individual transgressions; it enforces its own laws. The same applies in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, or Bangkok—foreign nationals are held to local standards, not used as diplomatic scapegoats. So why has Ghana allowed this issue to escalate into a public spat with China? The failure lies not in Beijing’s actions, but in our own inability to regulate, monitor, and enforce our laws.
Three Hard Truths We Must Confront
1. Diplomacy Demands Discipline– If an ambassador cannot separate personal frustration from professional duty, then perhaps he is no longer fit for the role. Diplomacy is not about emotional outbursts; it is about strategic, measured engagement. If social media outrage has clouded his judgment, then a reassessment of his posting is necessary.
2. Governance is Ghana’s Responsibility – China did not force weak enforcement upon us. If foreign miners operate illegally, it is because our systems—corrupt officials, lax regulations, and ineffective monitoring—have allowed it. A government that cannot control its own territory has no moral standing to blame outsiders for exploiting its failures.
3. The Danger of Surrendering Sovereignty – If we continue down this path of deflection, we risk sending a dangerous message: that Ghana cannot govern itself. Do we truly want to imply that China should step in and manage our affairs? That would be the ultimate admission of incompetence—one we cannot afford.
Leadership, Not Excuses
The galamsey crisis is not China’s fault—it is ours. The solution lies not in angry rhetoric, but in stronger institutions, stricter enforcement, and real accountability. If our leaders cannot rise to this challenge, then perhaps the question we should be asking is not Why are Chinese doing this to us? but rather “Why have we allowed this to happen to ourselves?”.
Ghana deserves better than blame-shifting. It demands leadership.