Ghana has introduced tougher visa requirements for Chinese nationals in an effort to curb illegal gold mining, a practice widely known as galamsey, which authorities say is devastating the environment and straining local communities. The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during a government briefing in Accra.
Under the new directive, Ghana’s embassy in Beijing and consulate in Guangzhou will no longer process group visa applications. Instead, all applicants must appear in person for interviews before a visa can be granted.
“We no longer process group visa applications. Everybody must show up for an interview, no matter if you claim you are coming for a conference or an excursion. There is a strict directive that no more group processing of visas,” Ablakwa declared.
Business Insider reported that the shift follows his recent official visit to China, where he met with provincial authorities in regions described as notorious for sending nationals to Ghana to engage in illegal mining.
Ghanaian officials have branded galamsey an existential threat, warning that the activity is destroying rivers, forests, and farmland, while weakening legitimate mining operations.
“I did not mince words at all. I really stated President Mahama’s position that this cannot continue. We welcome good investors to come partner with us and transform our economy, but we will not accept you sending your nationals here to engage in galamsey,” Ablakwa emphasized.
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He described illegal mining as an existential threat, stressing that its impact on water bodies, farmlands, and future generations is severe. While noting that most Chinese investors have made positive contributions to Ghana’s development, he said a persistent minority has been involved in destructive practices.
“There is no official Chinese government policy to come and destroy our environment,” he said. “But this galamsey menace is really a menace that all of us must confront. It aches my heart. It gives all of us sleepless nights. If we don’t deal with it boldly and ruthlessly, we are virtually on a suicidal path.”
The visa restrictions form part of Ghana’s wider crackdown on illegal mining and foreign involvement in its artisanal gold trade. Earlier this year, the government ordered all foreign nationals to exit the local gold trading market by the end of April following the passage of the Ghana Gold Board bill.
Signed into law by President John Dramani Mahama on April 2, the legislation established the Ghana Gold Board, GoldBod, which now holds exclusive authority to buy, sell, assay, and export artisanal gold. All previous licenses allowing foreigners to purchase gold from small-scale miners were revoked.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson explained that the new body would help Ghana capture more value from gold sales while stabilizing its currency.
“The GoldBod will ensure that Ghana harnesses the entire gold value chain from extraction to refining, value addition, and marketing, both locally and internationally,” he said.
Prince Kwame Minkah, GoldBod’s spokesperson, added that the board’s work is expected to strengthen reserves, increase foreign exchange inflows, and curb smuggling.
Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer and the world’s sixth largest, has struggled for years with illegal mining. The practice has surged during periods of economic hardship, polluting rivers and damaging farmland despite repeated government crackdowns.
Galamsey was also a flashpoint in last year’s presidential election, fueling protests and public anger toward previous administrations.
The government’s dual measures, tightened visa rules for Chinese nationals and the establishment of GoldBod, are aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s gold resources and environment while ensuring that legitimate investors continue to play a central role in the country’s economic transformation.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
