The Chinese government has issued a strong warning to its nationals in Ghana, advising them against participating in illegal mining activities as the country grapples with a severe galamsey crisis that has ravaged its water bodies and forest reserves.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), has reported a worsening water crisis in recent weeks, attributing pollution of key water sources to illegal mining operations.

The company has announced impending water supply challenges in Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby communities, revealing that the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant is receiving insufficient raw water due to contamination from galamsey activities.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, addressed these issues during a recent press interaction, acknowledging the involvement of some Chinese nationals in illegal mining but emphasising the Chinese government’s stance against such practices.

“I know there are some Chinese involved in this illegal mining but we discourage them,” Mr. Tong stated.

He referenced a 2018 meeting between President Akufo-Addo and the Chinese President, where it was agreed that any Chinese individuals engaged in illegal activities in Ghana should be held accountable under Ghanaian laws.

“We discourage Chinese people from doing this illegal mining,” the Chinese ambassador noted.

The mounting frustrations over ineffective measures to tackle galamsey have also sparked a strong response from Organised Labour.

On Wednesday, 11 September 2024, the group issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if immediate and decisive action is not taken to address the escalating crisis.