Ghana and China Partner on Strategy to Curb Illegal Mining, Boost Geological Surveys, and Promote Sustainable Investment.

TIANJIN, CHINA - Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and China's Ministry of Natural Resources have agreed on a three-point strategy to address mining, boost technical cooperation in geological surveys and encourage responsible investment in Ghana's mining sector. The agreement was made during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, China. Ghana's delegation was led by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, including Ghana's Ambassador to China Kojo Bonsu.

Minister Armah-Kofi Buah called the outcome a breakthrough in reshaping Ghana's mining industry and attracting better investment. He said that working together would help make sure Chinese companies operating in Ghana follow the country’s rules. "This is very important in how we cooperate in areas of the natural resources sector" he said. "It includes how we work with them to make sure their companies in Ghana meet the standards."

One important part of the plan is dual-jurisdiction enforcement. This means that Chinese citizens involved in mining known locally as galamsey will face legal action in both Ghana and China. "If someone breaks the law, especially if they are involved in mining, they will be punished in Ghana. But we also have a way for China to hold their citizens accountable" he explained.

China's Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian confirmed Beijings support for Ghana in areas. China will help with satellite sensing, airborne geophysical surveys and joint mineral laboratory projects. The Chinese side also promised to support restoration efforts. China spends about one billion yuan each year to fix damaged mining sites and offered to share its experience with Ghana.

To carry out the agreement both countries decided to form a technical committee. This committee will be co-led by the China Geological Survey and the Department of International Cooperation. Follow-up meetings are planned in Beijing.

Beyond combating illicit mining activities, the Chinese delegation detailed their national framework for environmental remediation, highlighting an annual central government investment of one billion yuan dedicated to restoring degraded mining land. China expressed its willingness to extend these land rehabilitation techniques and technical expertise to Ghana.

The high-level Ghanaian delegation participating in the discussions also featured prominent industry leaders, including Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission Isaac Tandoh, Director-General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority Dr. Prosper Aduah Akaba, and GIISDEC Chief Executive Officer Williams Okofo Dartey.