Ghana and China have agreed to deepen cooperation in the fight against illegal mining, while expanding collaboration in geological exploration, environmental protection and responsible investment in Ghana’s mining sector.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and China’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian, on the sidelines of the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, China.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, who led the Ghanaian delegation alongside Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, described the engagement as an important step towards addressing challenges in Ghana’s mining sector and strengthening oversight of Chinese companies operating in the country.
Chinese nationals involved in galamsey to face sanctions
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said the two countries would work together to ensure that Chinese nationals involved in mining in Ghana comply with Ghanaian laws.
He said those found engaging in illegal mining would face appropriate sanctions.
“This is very important in how we collaborate on critical areas of the natural resources sector. This includes how to work with them in policing Chinese companies that are working in Ghana to make sure that they meet the highest standards,” he said.
The Minister added that persons found engaging in galamsey would not only be dealt with under Ghanaian law but could also face action through mechanisms involving the Chinese authorities.
Joint technical team to coordinate cooperation
The renewed partnership will cover several areas, including green mining technologies, environmental protection, technology transfer, geological surveys and mapping, and the development of Ghana’s critical mineral resources.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said a joint technical team would be established to coordinate and implement the areas agreed upon by both countries.
“We have all agreed to form a technical team to move this forward,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role played by Ghana’s Ambassador to China in facilitating the engagement.
China offers technical support
For his part, Deputy Minister Sun Shuxian expressed China’s readiness to provide technical assistance to Ghana to strengthen the country’s geological sector.
He proposed increased cooperation in geological mapping, technological innovation and the assessment of critical mineral resources in key geological zones.
“We are ready with you, and our proposal is that we suggest more collaboration on the Geological Survey and technological innovation,” he said.
China also offered to support Ghana with satellite remote sensing and airborne geophysical surveys to address gaps in Ghana’s geological data.
Mr Sun further proposed establishing joint laboratories for mineral exploration, particularly in areas involving resources such as gold and lithium.
Annual expert exchanges proposed
The Chinese Deputy Minister also proposed regular technical exchanges and training programmes, including annual exchanges of experts to undertake joint field studies.
“On an annual basis, we can send our technicians to each other’s country to help with joint training on field studies so we can help Ghana with technical support,” he added.
The China Geological Survey is expected to lead the follow-up on the proposed technical cooperation, while China’s Department of International Cooperation will serve as the main coordinating body on the Chinese side.
Mr Sun welcomed Ghana’s appointment of a focal person to oversee implementation, saying it would help turn the discussions into concrete action.
“I’m happy that you have identified a focal person to follow up on our collaboration so that our meeting would not just be about talking but walking the talk,” he said.
Focus on sustainable and intelligent mining
The two countries are also considering establishing a dialogue mechanism to facilitate discussions on sustainable mining, mineral value chains and intelligent mining.
Mr Sun described the meeting as constructive and expressed the hope that the partnership would produce mutually beneficial outcomes.
He subsequently invited Mr Armah-Kofi Buah and the Ghanaian delegation to Beijing for further discussions on areas of cooperation.
China shares mine rehabilitation experience
The Chinese delegation also shared its experience in restoring abandoned and degraded mining sites as Ghana seeks to strengthen environmental safeguards within its mining sector.
Mr Sun said China had developed extensive experience in rehabilitating degraded mining areas and allocates about one billion Chinese yuan annually from the central government for the restoration of abandoned mining pits.
He expressed China’s willingness to share its rehabilitation practices and technical expertise with Ghana.
Other members of the Ghanaian delegation included Minerals Commission Chief Executive Isaac Tandoh, Director-General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority Dr Prosper Aduah Akaba, and GIISDEC Chief Executive Officer Williams Okofo Dartey.
