Accra: Some Chinese investors have expressed strong condemnation of illegal mining activities, known locally as Galemsey, carried out by some of their compatriots. They have pledged their support to the Ghanaian government and the Chinese Embassy in efforts to tackle this issue.
According to Ghana News Agency, the investors made this commitment during a field trip to the China State Hualong Construction Company Limited in Ghana, which was part of a 12-week course organized for selected media practitioners under the auspices of the African-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA). Mr. Zhang Xiang, the General Manager of the company, led the team and emphasized that these illegal activities were the work of a few individuals and did not represent the Chinese community at large. He urged Ghanaians to maintain peaceful relationships with law-abiding Chinese nationals.
Mr. Zhang highlighted the company's longstanding presence in Ghana, noting its 40-year history of adhering to local laws and contributing positively to the country's development. The company, listed among the top 250 international contractors, has completed numerous significant projects in Ghana, including the Bank of Ghana's building, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and Independence Square, among others.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the company has engaged in philanthropic endeavors, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has focused on capacity building for its Ghanaian employees, encouraging further education and independence. The company complies with environmental regulations and opposes illegal mining activities, emphasizing a commitment to fostering good relations between Ghana and China.
Mr. Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of ACCPA, noted that the center brings together African researchers on China-Africa relations to produce knowledge that informs policy-making. Participants in the course were accompanied by resource persons Madam Sylvia Sinkari, Dr. Isaac Ankrah, and Miss Mercy Tedeku.
