Ghana and China have reaffirmed their commitment to responsible investment and stronger local value creation within the mining sector. The call for deepened cooperation came during the 2025 Annual Conference and Chairman Rotation Ceremony of the Association of China-Ghana Mining (ACGM) held in Accra.

The conference brought together key stakeholders – senior government officials, diplomats, regulators, and mining executives – to assess progress in their bilateral mining partnership and chart a course for future collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Minerals Commission CEO, Mr. Isaac Andrews Tandoh, emphasized Ghana’s openness to foreign direct investment, but stressed the importance of alignment with national development goals and existing regulations. He acknowledged the significant role Chinese companies have played in Ghana’s mining sector, citing capital inflows, technology transfer, and skills development as key contributions.

“Your investments create jobs, introduce new technologies and help build local capacity,” Mr. Tandoh stated, adding that the long-standing relationship has yielded tangible benefits for mining communities nationwide.

However, Mr. Tandoh cautioned against arrangements that circumvent Ghanaian laws, specifically mentioning the Commission’s intolerance for “fronting” practices that deprive the country of its rightful benefits. “We want your investments to grow and succeed, but we also want Ghana to grow,” he urged, calling for open dialogue and partnerships focused on long-term development.

He further highlighted the need for continuous improvement in environmental management, health and safety, transparency, and social responsibility, alongside efforts to accelerate value addition and formalization within the mining sector.

Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, described the relationship between the Chamber and the ACGM as “constructive and cordial.” He noted the meaningful contributions of Chinese enterprises to Ghana’s economy, extending beyond mining operations to include infrastructure support and employment.

“As representative bodies, we share a common interest in ensuring that Ghana remains a stable, competitive and attractive destination for responsible investment,” Dr. Ashigbey said, stressing the importance of ongoing engagement and balanced dialogue.

He also addressed ongoing national discussions regarding fiscal reforms in the mining sector, including a review of mineral royalty frameworks. Dr. Ashigbey called for inclusive dialogue to strike a balance between maximizing national revenue and sustaining investment growth. “We need to find a sweet spot that allows the country to benefit more from its mineral resources, while ensuring that mining companies are also able to grow and reinvest,” he explained.

Mr. Tong Defa praised the progress in China-Ghana mining cooperation, positioning the Association as a vital link between the two countries’ development strategies. He noted a shift in Chinese investment towards supporting Ghana’s green transition, technological upgrades, and community development initiatives.

Outgoing ACGM Chairman, Mr. Tang Zhenjiang, highlighted achievements during his tenure, including the promotion of intelligent mining systems and green energy solutions. Incoming Chairman, Mr. Wang Jinquan, pledged to build on this foundation, deepening engagement with Ghanaian stakeholders and prioritizing innovation and sustainability.

Stakeholders broadly agreed that the future of the partnership hinges on stronger collaboration, transparency, sustainability, and mutual respect. They believe that with clearer standards and effective regulation, the cooperation can continue to deliver inclusive and lasting benefits for Ghana’s economy and communities.

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