The Government of Ghana has tightened visa application procedures for Chinese nationals in a bid to curb illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the new directive when presenting his Ministry’s performance report at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, September 15.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s embassy in Beijing and consulate in Guangzhou will no longer process visa applications submitted in groups. Instead, every applicant will be required to appear in person for an interview 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,” Mr. Ablakwa revealed .
The policy shift, he explained, is one of the outcomes of his recent diplomatic mission to China.
During the visit, the Minister met with officials in provinces where several Chinese nationals had been identified as frequent participants in illegal mining activities in Ghana.
“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 stressed .
Mr. Ablakwa described illegal mining as an “existential threat” to Ghana, warning that it is destroying water bodies, farmlands, and endangering future generations.
While commending genuine Chinese businesses investing in transformative sectors, he insisted that Ghana must act decisively against destructive practices.
He emphasized that the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s new visa controls complement enforcement efforts by security agencies and other ministries at the national level.
“It aches my heart. It gives all of us sleepless nights. It is an existential threat we face. And if we don’t deal with it boldly and ruthlessly, we are virtually on a suicidal path,” the Minister cautioned .
The new visa directive marks a significant tightening of Ghana’s immigration system and reflects government’s broader determination to fight galamsey both domestically and diplomatically.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
