Ibrahim Adjei, former Assistant Secretary at the Office of the former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has urged Ghana’s newly appointed Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, to adopt a diplomatic and measured approach in dealing with the Chinese government on matters related to illegal mining activities involving some of its nationals in Ghana.
He stressed that while Ghana must hold China accountable where necessary, engagement must be handled with tact and strategic diplomacy.
“In terms of China and galamsey, what Kojo Bonsu should do is to work on strengthening the bridges that we have in China. But in strengthening those bridges, he has to recognise where there are excesses from Chinese nationals operating within Ghana and see the ways and means that he can create a strong narrative for China to take action where necessary in terms of galamsey,” he stated.
He highlighted that Ghana had a role to play in the situation, having initially allowed the influx of Chinese nationals into the mining sector. “We allowed the Chinese to come, so the ball is in our court,” Adjei noted.
Despite the challenges, Adjei underscored the importance of using diplomacy and constructive dialogue to resolve the matter. “But again, we have to be diplomatic, constructive, measured in how we deal with China,” he advised.
