Accra: The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tong Defa, has lauded the establishment of the Association of China (Ghana) Mining LBG (ACGM) as a key step towards deepening sustainable and inclusive development in Ghana's mining sector. Describing the Association as a 'bridge for a win-win cooperation,' Mr. Tong said the initiative aligned with Ghana's ambition to modernize its mining industry while protecting its rich natural heritage.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ambassador Tong highlighted the importance of ecological preservation in his speech, stating, "Ghana's lush forests and clear waters are as valuable as gold and silver." He urged members of the Association to prioritize environmental conservation alongside economic development. The Ambassador was speaking at a ceremony in Accra, where the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, inaugurated the ACGM under the theme: 'Responsibility, Sustainability, Excellence, and Growth.'
The ACGM comprises major Chinese mining firms and mining sector services companies. The event also marked the announcement of the China-Ghana Mining Community Development Foundation, which aims to mobilize dedicated funds to support sustainability and community empowerment initiatives.
Mr. Tang ZhenJiang serves as Chairman, with Mr. Kevin Chen as Secretary General (Golden Star Wassa, subsidiary of Chifeng Gold), and three Deputy Chairmen: Mr. Kevin Wu of JH Resources Exploration Limited, Mr. Libin Xu of Ghana Manganese Company Limited, and Mr. Qingming Tang of Earl International Mining Ltd.
Ambassador Tong identified five key focus areas for the ACGM: promoting standardized development, information sharing, technical cooperation, community development, and environmental protection. He pledged continued support from the Chinese Embassy, expressing optimism that the Association would "inject new momentum into Ghana's economic growth and the high-quality development of Chinese enterprises."
Mr. Buah, representing President John Dramani Mahama, described the inauguration as "a significant milestone that ushers in a new chapter in Ghana-China collaboration in the mining sector." He emphasized the Government's zero-tolerance policy for illegal mining, describing Galamsey as "an act of environmental terrorism and economic sabotage."
Mr. Buah tasked the ACGM to serve as "a beacon of integrity," upholding Ghanaian mining laws while supporting community upliftment. He highlighted the potential of Chinese technical expertise in areas such as underground mining, low-grade ore development, and mining-related nuclear training to improve efficiency and global competitiveness in Ghana's mining industry.
Mr. Tang reaffirmed the Association's core mission to promote responsible mining, technological innovation, and community-driven development. He expressed readiness to collaborate with Ghana's Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources and Youth Development to empower young people through a cooperative system.
"Through this Association, we will unify industry consensus, fulfill social responsibilities, and empower communities," Mr. Tang said. "Together, we will write a remarkable new chapter in China-Ghana collaboration."
The event, rich in cultural display, featured traditional performances by the Atitirew Cultural Troupe and brought together dignitaries and key players in Ghana's mining sector, including Ministers of State, Parliamentarians, and renowned entrepreneur Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, founder of Engineers and Planners, a mining service provider.
