Ghana and China have agreed on a three-point strategy to tackle illegal mining, strengthen geological cooperation and promote responsible investment in Ghana’s mining sector.

The agreement was reached between Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and China’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian, during the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said the collaboration would include efforts to ensure Chinese companies operating in Ghana comply with the country’s laws.

“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 Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining would face appropriate sanctions.

“Those who are found to have broken the law, especially those who engage in illegal mining activities (galamsey), are not only punished in Ghana, but we have a pathway where the Chinese will also police their people who are working in Ghana.”

The two countries will also cooperate on green mining technology, environmental protection, technology transfer and geological mapping.

“We are also collaborating with them on green mining technology, environmental protection and technology transfer. Critically, we will be working with them on geological surveys and mapping. These are very critical breakthroughs.”

China to provide technical support

Mr Sun proposed increased cooperation in geological surveys, mapping and the assessment of critical mineral resources.

“We are ready with you, and our proposal is that we suggest more collaboration on the Geological Survey and technological innovation.”

China also proposed satellite remote sensing, airborne geophysical surveys, joint laboratories and personnel exchanges to support Ghana’s geological work.

“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.”

Both sides agreed to establish a technical team to implement the areas of cooperation.

Mr Sun also welcomed Ghana’s appointment of a focal person to coordinate the process.

“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 China was also willing to share its experience in rehabilitating abandoned mining sites, noting that the Chinese government allocates about one billion yuan annually for such work.

“In this process, we have accumulated some good practices and experiences. So we very much would like to share these experiences and practices with our Ghanaian friends.”