Former United Nations Senior Governance Advisor, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has backed the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana’s assertion that the illegal mining menace, locally known as galamsey, is largely driven by Ghanaian complicity rather than the actions of Chinese nationals.
He agreed with the ambassador’s claim that the galamsey crisis is not China’s problem, but rather a failure on Ghana’s part.
Professor Agyeman-Duah’s comments come amid growing concerns about the environmental and economic impact of illegal mining in Ghana.
Speaking on the JoyNews Desk programme on June 19, 2025, the professor described the ambassador’s remarks as “both valid and timely,” noting that it was not the first time such concerns had been raised by the Chinese envoy.
He cited the ambassador’s claim that many Chinese nationals involved in galamsey operations are flown into Ghana, land at Kotoka International Airport, and are then transported by bus directly to mining sites.
Professor Agyeman-Duah stressed that the galamsey crisis is a national issue requiring collective effort.
He pointed out that many of the foreign nationals involved “come from rural backgrounds and lack advanced education or sophistication,” implying the presence of a well-organized recruitment and operational network.
He urged Ghanaians to take responsibility for their actions and commit to finding sustainable solutions to the problem.
According to a myjoyonline.com report dated June 20, 2025, the professor stated, “This suggests there must be official collusion or systemic failure enabling these foreign nationals to enter the country in large numbers and be shepherded directly to illegal mining operations.”
“In that respect, the ambassador is absolutely right, the problem is us, not the Chinese,” he emphasised.
The galamsey crisis poses serious threats to Ghana’s environment, economy, and national security. Professor Agyeman-Duah called on the government to intensify its efforts by tightening immigration controls and dismantling the networks facilitating the entry and movement of illegal foreign miners.
Expressing concern over the lack of progress in the fight against galamsey, he lamented that despite political promises and legislative actions, the crisis has worsened six months into the current administration’s tenure.
He cited recent reports of official complicity, referencing the case involving Dr Bissue, allegedly confronted by a senior police officer, as well as investigative journalism exposing the involvement of senior political party officials in illegal mining.
He also criticised the ineffectiveness of regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission and the Gold Board, stating, “We arrest illegal miners and seize gold, yet transparency and accountability remain woefully absent.”
Calling for decisive leadership, Professor Agyeman-Duah urged the government to abandon half-measures and take bold, courageous action.
“There is an urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of our approach to combating galamsey. The government must be bold, courageous, and unwavering,” he stressed.
He warned that the previous government’s failure to effectively address galamsey significantly eroded public trust and contributed to its electoral defeat.
He also urged the current administration not to repeat the same mistakes.
NAD/MA
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