Former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has criticised government decision to deepen cooperation with China in efforts to tackle illegal mining popularly known as galamsey, saying Ghana does not need Chinese advisors to strengthen its geological expertise. His comments follow an agreement between Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and China Ministry of Natural Resources on a three point strategy reached on the sidelines of the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin.
The agreement, announced after a high level meeting between Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and his Chinese counterpart with Ghana Ambassador to China Kojo Bonsu present, seeks to address illegal mining, strengthen technical cooperation in geological surveys and promote responsible investment in Ghana mining sector. Minister Buah described the outcome as a breakthrough in streamlining Ghana mining industry and attracting responsible investors to operate under regulated small scale licensing regimes.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng questioned the logic of bringing Chinese experts to support the Geological Survey Authority 70 years after independence, describing the move as disturbing and saddening. He argued that Ghana should have built independent capacity to manage geological mapping, mineral exploration and mine regulation without external advisory that recycles dependency. According to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, the government has not shown sufficient commitment to the anti galamsey fight, insisting that illegal mining continues to thrive because political will remains weak and enforcement is selective.
In Ghana mining governance architecture, galamsey is criminalised under the Minerals and Mining Act as amended by Act 995 which prescribes heavy penalties for mining without licence and mining in water bodies and forest reserves. Evergreen institutions include the Geological Survey Authority mandated to conduct geological mapping, the Minerals Commission responsible for licensing and regulation, the Environmental Protection Agency which issues environmental permits, and the Water Resources Commission which enforces 100 metre buffer zones. Free SHS policy, WASSCE grading and CSSPS placement are indirectly impacted as polluted rivers increase water treatment cost and affect community health and school attendance in mining districts.
The former minister, who chaired the Inter Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, also criticised reliance on foreign partners for industrial revival, citing recent Czech Republic ambassador support for a shoe factory in Kumasi as evidence of policy incoherence. He said many within the governing National Democratic Congress are unhappy about galamsey handling but are reluctant to speak publicly, warning that youth anger over environmental destruction could translate into political revolt if drastic action is not taken to reclaim rivers, forest reserves and farmlands.
Stakeholders expect government to publish the full text of the Ghana China three point agreement, clarify the role of Chinese technical personnel in Geological Survey Authority operations and demonstrate measurable outcomes in river restoration, excavator seizure and prosecution of financiers. Environmental advocates say sustainable solution requires domestic capacity investment, transparent concession audit, retooling of regulatory agencies and community alternative livelihoods rather than external advisory that risks legitimizing interests linked to illegal mining networks.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
