The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, recently made remarks regarding illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which sparked a strong response from the National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Mamudu Akudugu. In a radio interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Prof Akudugu expressed his concerns about the frequent association of Chinese nationals with galamsey activities in Ghana and urged the ambassador to reflect on this issue.
He criticized Ambassador Tong Defa for portraying Chinese nationals as victims rather than acknowledging their involvement in illegal mining operations. Prof Akudugu highlighted that it is not only Chinese nationals who are engaged in galamsey in Ghana, but they are often the ones mentioned and arrested during raids on mining sites. He emphasized that the Chinese are complicit in these illegal activities and called on the ambassador to address this issue within their community.
The UTAG President’s comments were in response to Ambassador Tong Defa’s remarks in Accra, where he suggested that Ghanaians were primarily responsible for facilitating galamsey operations and hinted that eliminating the practice might be challenging. However, Prof Akudugu rejected this notion and viewed the ambassador’s comments as a challenge for Ghanaian authorities to strengthen their enforcement and regulatory efforts.
He emphasized that the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has presented proposals to the government on responsible and sustainable mining practices. Prof Akudugu believes that with the government’s commitment to implementing these proposals, galamsey can be eradicated. He stressed the importance of transforming galamsey into a more sustainable and responsible form of mining in Ghana.
In conclusion, Prof Akudugu’s remarks reflect the ongoing efforts to address the issue of illegal mining in Ghana and the need for collective action from both local and foreign stakeholders. The UTAG President’s call for accountability and responsible mining practices aligns with the broader goal of promoting sustainable development in the country’s mining sector.
