In a bold and provocative statement, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has pushed back against mounting criticism of Chinese involvement in illegal small-scale mining, commonly known in Ghana as “galamsey.” Speaking during a press briefing in Accra, the ambassador declared that Ghana must take responsibility for its own mining challenges, asserting, “You hired the Chinese. Find solutions to your problems.”

Ambassador Tong’s comments come amid growing national outrage over the environmental devastation and social issues caused by galamsey activities. He emphasized that many of the Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining are in Ghana at the invitation of local operators.

“The truth is that Chinese nationals do not have the legal capacity to own mining concessions in Ghana. They are hired by Ghanaians to do this work. Don’t blame us for a system you control,” he stated.

He further argued that efforts to completely eliminate illegal mining in Ghana are “unrealistic,” urging authorities to focus instead on damage control and sustainable management of the mining sector.

Local Reactions: “Don’t Whitewash the Role of Foreigners”

The ambassador’s remarks have sparked strong reactions among stakeholders in Ghana’s mining sector. Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, responded swiftly, saying while there is truth in the claim of local complicity, it would be dangerous to absolve Chinese nationals entirely.

“We must not pretend that all foreigners are victims,” Ashigbey said. “The data shows that the majority of foreigners arrested for illegal mining in Ghana are Chinese nationals. Some of them would never dare to act this way in China.”

Ashigbey added that many Chinese miners use sophisticated machinery and operate in highly organized syndicates that are difficult for local enforcement agencies to confront.

A Tense Diplomatic Moment

The ambassador’s comments underscore longstanding tensions between Ghana and China over illegal mining. In recent years, Ghanaian authorities have arrested and deported thousands of Chinese nationals involved in galamsey operations. However, critics say enforcement has been inconsistent and sometimes compromised by political or economic interests.

This latest diplomatic row adds a new dimension to the national conversation on illegal mining, foreign influence, and the role of local actors who continue to profit from environmentally destructive practices.

A Call for Accountability

As the debate intensifies, many Ghanaians are calling for an honest reckoning with the realities of galamsey. While foreign involvement cannot be denied, citizens and civil society groups insist that ultimate responsibility lies with local authorities, landowners, and businesses that enable and profit from the illegal trade.

“It’s time we stop the blame game and fix our systems,” said environmental activist Ama Koomson. “If there’s no one here to hire them, the foreigners wouldn’t come in the first place.