The Foreign Affairs Minister made this revelation via an “X” (formerly Twitter) post last Saturday following a meeting with Chinese authorities in the Nanning region led by the Vice-Mayor, Guo Wei, during his working visit to China.

“The meeting highlighted new visa requirements we have imposed to weed out bad lots as we seek to protect Ghanaian lives, our river bodies and the sanctity of our ecology,” he said. 

Mr Ablakwa said data confirmed that Chinese nationals, especially those from the Nanning region of China, were largely connected to illegal mining commonly known as “galamsey” in the country; hence the new visa requirement.

“Data confirms that an overwhelming majority of Chinese nationals engaged in Ghana’s mining sector are from the city of Nanning,” the Foreign Affairs Minister stated.

He described the meeting with the authorities of Nanning as a “frank and positive” one which would help bring a lot more sanity in the migration of Chinese nationals in the area to Ghana to engage in illegal mining.

As part of the discussion, Mr Ablakwa indicated that both parties were geared towards establishing “measures to raise awareness in Nanning of the grave sanctions and how the exodus could be discouraged at source”.

The Foreign Affairs Minister added that both sides agreed to work together to change the narrative and usher in a new era of strict, responsible and legitimate business partnerships as Ghana pursued a reinvigorated economic diplomacy.

Mr Ablakwa said the move was part of President John Mahama’s government's resolve to ruthlessly combat galamsey and its determination to ensure that locals and foreigners alike do not escape severe punishment when caught engaging in illegal mining.

Over the years, Chinese nationals have become the common culprits at the centre of galamsey in parts of the country.

Almost every major operation undertaken by security agencies in the country nabbed Chinese nationals, making the Chinese nationality very synonymous to illegality in the country.

Also, hundreds of Chinese nationals have been arrested and prosecuted for environmental degradation and pollution offences.

However, the menace still persisted with many more coming into the country. 

The new visa requirement is expected to help tighten the immigration requirement of Chinese nationals especially from the Nanning area.