The destructive practice, commonly referred to as "galamsey," has caused severe damage to Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.

Mustapha Gband, a Spokesperson for Fight Against Galamsey, stated, “While we do not blame the entire China-Ghana relationship, many Chinese nationals who have come to Ghana have contributed to the devastation of our land and natural resources.”

However, China’s Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has pushed back against these accusations. He explained that Chinese nationals are unable to obtain local mining licences and that many involved in illegal mining are brought in by Ghanaians who facilitate these operations.

--ChannelAfrica--