Ghana and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the mining sector, with emphasis on technology transfer, local processing, environmental protection and skills development.

The commitment was highlighted at the China-Ghana Mining Cooperation Conference 2026 in Accra on Tuesday, where government officials and industry stakeholders called for stronger partnerships to ensure that the country's mineral resources contributed meaningfully to national development.

Mr Isaac Andrews Tandoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, said Chinese capital, technology and expertise had contributed significantly to Ghana's emergence as Africa's leading gold producer.

He, however, stressed that mining partnerships must be anchored in transparency, sustainability, regulatory compliance and equitable benefits for Ghanaians.

Mr Tandoh warned that illegal mining, particularly involving foreign nationals, continued to threaten the country's water bodies, forest reserves and national security.

He called for stronger collaboration between Chinese authorities and Ghanaian security and regulatory agencies to dismantle the financing and logistical networks supporting illegal mining.

He said the Minerals Commission remained committed to working with investors who respected Ghana's laws, protected the environment and supported local content objectives.

According to him, Ghana welcomed responsible Chinese investment that created decent jobs, strengthened local industries and ensured that mineral wealth benefited host communities.

Mr Cong Song, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, reaffirmed China's commitment to deepening mining cooperation with Ghana through technology transfer, industrial value addition and skills development.

He said Chinese mining companies operating in Ghana were contributing to technological advancement, local employment, community development and improved operational efficiency.

Mr Cong said China's approach to mining cooperation with African countries prioritised mutual benefit, high-quality development and the expansion of local processing capacity.

He indicated that China was ready to collaborate with Ghana across the mining value chain, including geological exploration, local processing, industrial value addition and skills development.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed China's position that its citizens and enterprises operating in Ghana must comply with the country's laws and regulations.

He said Chinese businesses must prioritise occupational safety and environmental protection, respect local customs and fulfil their social responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Mr Kwame Ahumah, Director of Mines at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, said Ghana was implementing policy and legal reforms to strengthen domestic processing and refining of minerals.

He identified opportunities in the gold, bauxite, aluminium, iron and lithium sectors, noting that the Government was pursuing integrated value chains to promote local industrial development.

He said Ghana was particularly interested in attracting investments in processing plants, technology transfer and local supply chains to generate employment and improve the country's industrial capacity.

Mr Seth Terkper, Presidential Advisor on the Economy, also called for mining cooperation to support Ghana's broader economic transformation.

He said the country needed to move beyond exporting raw minerals and retain more value locally to strengthen foreign exchange earnings, increase domestic revenue and reduce dependence on external financing.

The conference was held on the theme: “Innovation-Driven, Win-Win Cooperation, Advancing High-Quality China-Ghana Mining Cooperation.”

Story by: Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah
Popularly Known As: Attractive Mustapha
Email: attractivemustapha@gmail.com
Contact Number 0244259564