{"id":106338,"date":"2025-12-11T11:57:06","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T11:57:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=106338"},"modified":"2025-12-11T11:57:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T11:57:06","slug":"galamsey-menace-focus-on-objective-and-comprehensive-reportage-chinese-ambassador-to-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=106338","title":{"rendered":"Galamsey menace: Focus on objective and comprehensive reportage \u2013 Chinese ambassador to media"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>3 Minute, 7 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>
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The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has made a plea to the Ghanaian media, urging for a more balanced and comprehensive narrative regarding Chinese involvement in Ghana, particularly concerning illegal mining (galamsey).<\/p>\n

Speaking today, Thursday, December 12, 2025, at a workshop in the Eastern Region focused on Ghana-China mining relations, the Ambassador argued that the extensive positive contributions of Chinese businesses are consistently overshadowed by negative coverage of isolated illegal acts.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Calls for Objective and Comprehensive Media Reports<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ambassador Defa stressed that three days of intense dialogue and exchange should equip journalists with a better understanding of the complexities of the Ghana-China partnership in the mining sector.<\/p>\n

He emphasised that the media must step back from emotionally driven headlines to capture the full picture of the bilateral relationship.<\/p>\n

His primary argument is that Chinese businesses are driving significant social and economic development, contributing to the construction of vital infrastructure, the employment of locals, and the boost of various industries.<\/p>\n

Yet, he lamented, only the isolated bad incidents involving a few individuals get disproportionately reported.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, I feel it is a little bit unfair. I admit that there is a tiny number of Chinese involved in illegal mining in this country. But those isolated incidents can always become a hotspot for news coverage. On the other hand, there are hundreds of Chinese companies doing business in this country quite well in all sectors, and they have contributed hugely to social and economic development and to helping create jobs for local people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chinese Stance on Illegal Mining<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ambassador was categorical in affirming the Chinese government\u2019s official stance on citizens involved in illegal activities abroad, confirming that Beijing supports Accra\u2019s efforts to tackle the deep-rooted galamsey issue.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Chinese government consistently requires the Chinese nationals overseas to abide by the laws and regulations of their host countries, resolutely opposes any illegal activities of Chinese citizens abroad and supports the Ghanaian government in its efforts to deal with the galamsey issue, which has a long history and is very complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n

He further highlighted the role of legitimate Chinese enterprises involved in sustainable mining and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, which often go unreported:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are several huge companies doing sustainable mining and social activities in their local communities, but they are not covered in the news. I appeal to our media friends to report comprehensively and objectively about China, to report more stories to demonstrate Ghana-China friendship and to keep the Ghanaian people the whole full picture about China and to nurture our good friendship between the two countries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Context: China\u2019s Role in Ghana\u2019s Development<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ambassador\u2019s appeal comes amidst heightened tension surrounding galamsey, which has severely degraded Ghana\u2019s water bodies and vast tracts of cocoa and farmland. <\/p>\n

However, the economic partnership with China remains central to Ghana\u2019s development agenda.<\/p>\n