Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, a former Senior Governance Advisor to the United Nations, has backed recent remarks by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, asserting that Ghana’s illegal mining crisis—commonly known as galamsey—is a problem rooted in internal failings, not foreign interference.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Desk, Prof. Agyeman-Duah described the ambassador’s comments as “both valid and timely,” noting that this was not the first time the Chinese envoy had raised such concerns. He referenced the ambassador’s account of how Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining operations often arrive at Kotoka International Airport and are then transported directly to mining sites by bus.
“These individuals are not sophisticated actors—they often come from rural, underprivileged backgrounds,” Prof. Agyeman-Duah observed. “It is unlikely they could navigate such a complex system without significant assistance from within Ghana.”
He argued that this pattern points to deeper issues of internal complicity or systemic breakdown. “This suggests official collusion or gross regulatory failure that enables foreign nationals to arrive in large numbers and be escorted straight into illegal mining operations,” he added. “In that sense, the ambassador is absolutely right—the real problem lies with us, not with China.”
Prof. Agyeman-Duah urged the government to strengthen immigration controls and dismantle the organized networks that facilitate the entry and protection of illegal foreign miners. He expressed disappointment over the stagnation in the fight against galamsey, especially six months into the current administration, despite repeated political commitments and legislative actions.
He referenced recent cases highlighting the entanglement of public officials in illegal mining activities, including the widely publicized incident involving Dr. Bissue and revelations from investigative journalists implicating senior political party figures.
“Our institutions are underperforming,” he said, citing the Minerals Commission and the Gold Board. “We arrest illegal miners and confiscate gold, yet the process remains shrouded in secrecy with little transparency or accountability.”
Calling for urgent reforms, Prof. Agyeman-Duah urged the government to stop taking half-measures. “We need bold, decisive leadership. A complete overhaul of the current approach is essential. The government must act with courage and resolve.”
He warned that the previous government’s failure to tackle galamsey contributed significantly to its loss of public trust and subsequent electoral defeat. He advised the current leadership to learn from those mistakes and not follow the same path.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem