Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, has urged Ghanaian journalists to adopt a more balanced and comprehensive approach in reporting on the mining sector, particularly stories involving Chinese companies.
He said responsible journalism was critical to strengthening China–Ghana relations and promoting sustainable mining.
Speaking at the opening of a three‑day training workshop on Sustainable Mining for Journalists at Aburi, Mr. Tong said that while China supported Ghana’s fight against illegal mining (galamsey), it was also important for the public to be informed about the positive contributions of Chinese mining firms to national development.
The workshop was organised by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in partnership with the Association of China–Ghana Mining (ACGM).
It aims to equip journalists with knowledge on sustainable mining, ethical reporting, and regulatory compliance.
The workshop brought together journalists and resource persons from regulatory, academic, and industry backgrounds.
Mr. Tong said Chinese companies operating legally in Ghana had become key partners in job creation, community development, technology transfer and responsible mining, but their contributions were often overshadowed by the actions of a few individuals involved in illegal activities.
“As the Chinese Ambassador, I feel a little bit unfair. Chinese people involved in galamsey represent a very small minority.
“There are thousands of Chinese companies doing well in the country and making huge contributions to the community. These big companies focus on long-term and sustainable mining in this country,” he said.
He appealed to journalists to “report comprehensively and objectively about China,” adding that accurate narratives would help strengthen relations between the two countries.
The Ambassador cited Shandong Gold, Zijin Mining, Chifeng Gold, Xiaocheng Technology and Tianyuan Manganese as examples of firms adhering to Ghana’s mining regulations, prioritising local employment and investing in social development.
At Shandong Gold’s Cardinal Namdini Mine, he said 94 per cent of the company’s 1,600 contractor staff were Ghanaian, and more than $2 million had been invested in education, health, sanitation and community infrastructure, including a 25‑kilometre access road linking over 10 communities.
Chifeng Gold, operator of the Wassa Mine, has also invested about US$4.5 million in a Community Development Fund to support schools, clinics, water systems and roads, and is developing a medium‑scale palm oil processing plant to boost local agriculture.
“These are only the tip of the iceberg,” he said, urging journalists to undertake more field visits to understand the impact of these companies.
Mr Tong said China remained committed to supporting Ghana’s mining reforms, environmental protection efforts and industrial transformation, noting that recent engagements between President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation in mining, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
“China is willing to fully leverage its advantages to conduct full-chain cooperation with Ghana, from geological surveys and exploration to resource development and environmental protection.
“We always urge enterprises to operate in accordance with laws and regulations and to crack down on illegal mining severely,” he stressed.
Mr Tong said the workshop aligned with China’s vision of promoting environmentally responsible mining and supporting Ghana’s efforts to transform natural resource wealth into long‑term development gains.
He expressed confidence that the training would strengthen understanding, promote cooperation, and encourage fair reporting that supports sustainable development.
“The Chinese Embassy will continue to serve as a bridge for cooperation and encourage more responsible investment to support Ghana’s development,” he said.
Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of the Ghana News Agency, said the workshop was designed to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report responsibly on mining and natural resource governance.
He said the media played a key role in shaping public understanding and ensuring accountability in the extractive sector, adding that the training would help participants appreciate the balance between economic benefits and environmental sustainability.
Mr Owusu noted that mining remained central to Ghana’s economy but faced significant threats from illegal and unregulated activities that undermined environmental integrity and community well-being.
He said collaboration among regulators, industry players, and the media was essential. He expressed appreciation to the ACGM for its support, describing the partnership as a step toward promoting responsible mining and accurate reporting.
Tang Zhenjiang, Chairman of the Association of China–Ghana Mining, highlighted the growing investment of Chinese companies in local communities, including scholarships, infrastructure, solar power projects and support for vulnerable groups.
He said responsible mining must be matched with responsible reporting to ensure that narratives reflect realities on the ground.
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