The establishment of the Association of China-Ghana Mining (ACGM) was officially marked with a ceremony attended by key stakeholders from both nations, reinforcing the growing economic and trade ties between China and Ghana.
Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Ghana, Tong Defa, delivered an address, celebrating this milestone for bilateral cooperation in the mining sector.
In his speech, Ambassador Tong emphasized that the creation of the ACGM was a pivotal step not only for China-Ghana mining relations but also for the broader economic and trade dynamics between the two countries.
“This is a new chapter for China-Ghana economic relations and mining cooperation,” he said, expressing his warm congratulations to the Association’s establishment and acknowledging the long-standing support that has fueled China-Ghana mining collaborations.
Tong also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Ghana’s leadership, particularly to President John Dramani Mahama, for sending several cabinet ministers and members to the event.
The ambassador noted that this high-level representation underscores the importance that the Ghanaian government places on its partnership with China, particularly in the mining sector.
With Ghana rich in valuable mineral resources such as gold, bauxite, and lithium, Ambassador Tong highlighted the vast potential for further development.
He noted that Chinese enterprises have made significant investments in the country’s mining industry over the years, contributing billions of dollars, establishing mining factories, and providing technical cooperation while also training young Ghanaian talent.
“At the same time, the Ghanaian Government has continuously optimised its mining policies, striving for a balance between resource utilisation and environmental protection,” Tong remarked.
The ambassador expressed confidence that the ACGM would play a key role in further strengthening communication between governments, businesses, and local communities, serving as a bridge for win-win cooperation between China and Ghana.
Looking to the future, Ambassador Tong outlined five key areas where he hopes the Association will make a meaningful impact.
1. Promoting Standardised Development: The ambassador urged the ACGM to guide its member enterprises to strictly comply with Ghanaian laws and regulations, respect local customs, and create more local jobs through the value-added production of minerals.
2. Enhancing Information Sharing: He called for stronger exchanges on mining policies, market trends, and technological innovations to improve the operational efficiency of both Chinese and Ghanaian companies operating in the sector.
3. Strengthening Technical Cooperation: Tong highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation in mining technology, talent training, and green mining development.
He encouraged the ACGM to introduce advanced training programmes to support Ghana’s sustainable mining growth
4. Fostering Community Development: “Mining development cannot thrive without the support of local communities,” said Ambassador Tong, urging the ACGM to take on more social responsibilities, especially through its Community Development Fund, which could play a crucial role in promoting Ghana’s social and economic progress.5 . Protecting the Ecological Environment: The ambassador closed by stressing the importance of environmental protection.
“Ghana’s lush forest and clear waters are as valuable as gold and silver,” he said, emphasizing the need for the Association to maintain a balance between mining development and environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, Ambassador Tong reiterated that mining cooperation between China and Ghana is a crucial component of their economic and trade relations, with immense potential for the future.
He expressed the Chinese Embassy’s continued support for the ACGM and hoped that its establishment would foster deeper mutual trust and collaboration between businesses from both nations, contributing to Ghana’s economic growth and the high-quality development of Chinese enterprises.
“I wish the Association of China-Ghana Mining a prosperous future, and I hope that the China-Ghana Mining Corporation will yield even more fruitful results,” he added.
The event marked a milestone in fostering a new era of collaboration, with both nations committed to sustainable, innovative, and inclusive mining development.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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