Writer: Daniel Benin || Investigative Journalist OHIM TV
The Chinese community in Ghana is calling on the Government of Ghana to urgently establish a dedicated Ghana-China Mining Desk to regularize and streamline the operations of Chinese investors in the mining sector.
This move, they believe, is critical to eliminating the numerous challenges currently faced by Chinese nationals who often fall victim to fake facilitators, misinformation, and legal entanglements.
Language and Cultural Barriers Must Be Addressed
Many Chinese investors entering the country lack proficiency in English or local languages such as Twi, making it difficult for them to understand Ghana’s regulatory framework or identify trustworthy local partners.
A specialized Ghana-China Mining Desk staffed by bilingual officers fluent in both Chinese and English will serve as a bridge, offering proper orientation and ensuring that these investors operate within the legal boundaries set by the government.
Connecting Investors with Legitimate Local Partners
In many cases, Chinese investors rely on unverified facilitators or intermediaries who mislead them into acquiring illegal concessions or operating in prohibited areas such as river bodies or forest reserves.
A formalized desk would allow vetted Ghanaian concession owners—especially chiefs and other legal titleholders—to present their concessions through a credible platform where Chinese investors can be linked with trusted local partners.
This would not only eliminate dubious middlemen but also reduce the risk of illegal mining activities that contribute to the pollution of Ghana’s rivers and natural habitats.
A Centralized Platform to Ensure Accountability
Establishing such a desk—whether under the Minerals Commission, Ghana Immigration Service, the Office of the Presidency, or even in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy—would allow for the collection of accurate data on all Chinese mining investors and their Ghanaian counterparts.
This database would make it easier to trace and hold local partners accountable in cases of misconduct or deception, which often result in the Chinese investor facing legal consequences alone.
Furthermore, if any investor bypasses the desk and engages in unauthorized mining activity, they would be solely responsible for their actions and unable to claim ignorance of Ghana’s laws.
Ending Pollution Through Structured Mining Approvals
One of the key benefits of this proposed business desk is its ability to enforce responsible mining practices. For instance, the desk would strictly prohibit aluvia (alluvial) mining near water bodies—a major source of water pollution—and instead guide investors toward rock mining, which has significantly less environmental impact.
Through such oversight, the government can better protect Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands while still attracting credible foreign investment into the mining sector.
Funding and Commitment from the Chinese Community
The Chinese community in Ghana has expressed its willingness to fully fund the operations of this proposed desk, acknowledging the government’s current resource constraints. They believe this desk is a proactive solution to the ongoing problems they face and are committed to supporting its establishment in any institution the government deems fit.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Ghana and China
This proposal is not only in the best interest of the Chinese business community but also serves Ghana’s national interest.
By formalizing the entry and operations of Chinese investors in the mining sector, the government can ensure environmental protection, legal compliance, and sustainable economic partnerships.
The time to act is now. Establishing the Ghana-China Mining Desk will transform chaos into order and foster a cleaner, more transparent, and mutually beneficial mining sector.
