Chinese ambassador to Ghana, Sun Baohong, has warned Chinese nationals residing in Ghana against engaging in illegal mining and called for a concerted effort between Ghana and China in the fight against illegal mining.
Mrs. Baohong disclosed this at Shanxii mining company limited in Gbane in the Talensi district of the Upper East Region during a two day tour to the region. 
She bemoaned the weakening of state institutions charged with the responsibility of clamping down on illegal mining, adding that a tight collaboration between the two countries will help eliminate illegal mining in Ghana.
“I want to say the mining sector is a very important sector in Ghana and everyone knows that here in Ghana there is a famous word ‘Galamsey’. The illegal mining actually tops legal mining and a number of Chinese national are involved.”
She noted galamsey was already deep rooted in Ghana but also stated the Chinese embassy was firmly against illegal mining.
“As the Chinese ambassador in Ghana I should say I feel deeply sorry for this but you know illegal mining in Ghana is deep rooted even before Chinese nationals got involved in it. There are some defunct of the institutions that cannot rule out the causes of illegal mining, from the perspective of the Chinese embassy we are against illegal mining, you cannot go against law and do things in a criminal way, that is our firm stand.”
“We think, concerted efforts between China and Ghana is needed to address the illegal mining issue and strengthen the South control and also elevate transparency in mining sector to open more channels for legal and open business” Mrs. Baohong added.
Mrs. Baohong disclosed that, the Upper East Region will benefit from 167 boreholes out of a 1000 borehole grant project by the Chinese government this year.
This will provide more portable drinking water to the people of Upper East and also improve their livelihood.
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By Fred Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana