Ibrahim Adjei, former Assistant Secretary at the Office of former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghana's newly nominated ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, to prioritise strengthening diplomatic relations with China while constructively addressing the sensitive issue of illegal mining involving Chinese nationals.
Speaking on Channel One TV's Breakfast Daily on Monday, June 23, he underscored the need for Kojo Bonsu to be tactful in his approach as Ghana seeks China's cooperation in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. "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.
According to Adjei, Ghana holds a significant level of responsibility in the situation due to the initial permission granted to Chinese nationals to operate within the country. "We allowed the Chinese to come, so the ball is in our court," he said.
