Ghana has imposed stricter visa procedures for Chinese nationals in a bid to curb illegal mining activities, widely known as galamsey, a term used to describe illegal small-scale gold mining.
The announcement came from its 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 an interview before a visa can be issued.
“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,” Mr. Ablakwa declared.
Galamsey branded an ‘existential threat’
Ghanaian authorities have branded illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey, an “existential threat,” warning that its unchecked spread is devastating rivers, forests, and farmland while undermining 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,” he emphasized.
Mr. Ablakwa described illegal mining as an “existential threat,” warning it is destroying water bodies, farmlands, and endangering future generations. He acknowledged that while most Chinese investors contribute positively to transformative sectors, a small but persistent number have been involved in destructive mining practices.
“There is no official Chinese government policy to come and destroy our environment,” he added. “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 reforms are part of Ghana’s broader crackdown on illegal mining.
GoldBod takes charge of artisanal gold market
Recall that in April, authorities directed all foreign nationals to exit the local gold trading market by the end of the month, following the passage of the Ghana Gold Board bill by Parliament, which was signed into law by President John Dramani Mahama on April 2.
The move coincided with the launch of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which now holds exclusive authority to buy, sell, assay, and export artisanal gold. Previous licenses that allowed foreigners to purchase gold from small-scale miners were revoked.
At the time, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted that the creation of GoldBod would enable Ghana to capture greater value from gold sales while stabilizing the national 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.
Similarly, Prince Kwame Minkah, GoldBod spokesperson, told reporters that the body’s operations are expected to strengthen reserves, boost foreign exchange inflows, and curb gold smuggling.
Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth largest, has long struggled with illegal mining. The activity has surged amid economic hardship, polluting rivers and damaging the environment despite government interventions. Galamsey was also a significant issue during last year’s presidential election, triggering public protests and criticism of previous authorities.
The new visa and gold trading measures represent a dual strategy, controlling foreign participation to safeguard Ghana’s gold resources and environment while enabling genuine investors to drive the country’s economic transformation.
