Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has appealed to the Ghanaian media to adopt a more balanced and evidence-based approach in their coverage of the mining sector, particularly when reporting on the activities of Chinese companies.

He said objective journalism is essential for strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting sustainable mining practices across the country.

The Ambassador made the call at Aburi during the opening session of a three-day training workshop on Sustainable Mining for Journalists. The programme, organised by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in partnership with the Association of China–Ghana Mining (ACGM), brought together reporters, industry experts and regulatory officials to discuss ethical mining practices, environmental protection and industry compliance.

Mr. Tong emphasised that while China fully supports Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, the actions of a small minority of offenders often overshadow the far-reaching contributions of legitimate Chinese companies operating within Ghana’s mining sector. He described this trend as unfair and urged journalists to ensure that their work reflects the complete picture rather than isolated incidents.

“There are thousands of Chinese companies doing well in this country—investing, creating jobs and supporting communities. Yet, the bad actions of a tiny minority dominate the headlines,” he said. “I appeal to our media friends to report comprehensively and objectively about China, so the Ghanaian public can appreciate the full reality of our cooperation.”

The Ambassador highlighted the work of several Chinese firms—Shandong Gold, Zijin Mining, Chifeng Gold, Xiaocheng Technology and Tianyuan Manganese—whose operations he said align with Ghana’s legal, environmental and social standards. He noted that at the Cardinal Namdini Mine, operated by Shandong Gold, 94 percent of the mine’s 1,600 contractor workforce are Ghanaians, with the company investing more than $2 million into community development projects, including education, sanitation, healthcare, and a 25-kilometre access road linking multiple communities.

Chifeng Gold’s Wassa Mine, he added, has committed over US$4.5 million to a Community Development Fund that supports schools, water systems, health facilities and road projects, while also partnering with local farmers to develop a medium-scale palm oil processing plant.

“These examples are only the tip of the iceberg,” he said, encouraging journalists to visit mining sites to witness firsthand how responsible Chinese companies are contributing to local development.

Mr. Tong reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s mining reforms, environmental protection efforts and broader industrialisation agenda. He said recent high-level discussions between President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama demonstrate China’s readiness to deepen cooperation across mining, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

“China is prepared to work with Ghana throughout the entire mining value chain—from exploration and geological surveys to resource development and environmental protection. We continue to urge Chinese companies to strictly follow Ghanaian laws and decisively combat illegal mining,” he stated.

General Manager of the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Albert Kofi Owusu, said the workshop aims to enhance journalists’ understanding of natural resource governance and equip them to provide accurate, balanced and impactful reports. He noted that while mining contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy, irresponsible practices—particularly illegal mining—pose severe threats to the environment and community livelihoods, making responsible reporting even more critical.

Chairman of the Association of China–Ghana Mining, Tang Zhenjiang, also highlighted ongoing investments by Chinese firms in education, health, renewable energy and community infrastructure. He emphasised that responsible mining must be matched by responsible journalism to ensure that public narratives reflect factual developments and promote meaningful cooperation.

The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has praised President John Dramani Mahama for taking a decisive stance against ongoing attempts to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, describing his intervention as a clear commitment to strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.

Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at CDD-Ghana, said in a media interview on Citi FM on Thursday, December 11, that the President’s directive to Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor to withdraw their Private Member’s Bill demonstrates firm support for protecting key accountability institutions.

According to Dr Asante, claims that the OSP has underperformed are not supported by available evidence. He argued that while concerns about the legal basis of the office may exist, such issues should be addressed through the constitutional review process rather than used as justification to abolish the law.

“We welcome the President’s intervention. I disagree with the narrative that the OSP’s performance has been poor because the evidence does not support that claim. If there are concerns about the constitutionality of the office, they should be resolved through the appropriate constitutional review mechanisms,” he said.

Dr Asante further noted that the President’s consistent support for the OSP signals a genuine commitment to building a stronger, more effective anti-corruption framework for the country.

“The President has shown consistency in supporting the office and reinforced the need to build an accountability system that delivers meaningful results for Ghanaians,” he added.

President Mahama’s intervention followed widespread public backlash against the proposed repeal. Addressing the National Peace Council earlier, he emphasised that eliminating the OSP at this stage would undermine national anti-corruption efforts. Instead, he encouraged the Special Prosecutor to strengthen operational efficiency and expedite ongoing investigations to restore and deepen public confidence in the institution.

Tensions are mounting in Kwabeng, the capital of the Atiwa District in the Eastern Region, where irate youth have taken to the streets to protest the massive destruction of their lands and water bodies due to illegal mining (galamsey).

The demonstrators accuse their chief of failing to act while the community’s environment, livelihoods and future continue to deteriorate.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, youth leader Addo Dankwa Jnr. said the people of Kwabeng are “not at peace and not happy,” noting that several petitions to the palace have yielded no results.

“We lack development, and the galamsey activities are excessive. Soon, we may have nowhere to bury our loved ones because all our lands are being destroyed,” he lamented.

He warned that frustration among the youth is reaching dangerous levels and could lead to unrest if authorities fail to intervene urgently.

The youth are calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to step in immediately, halt an upcoming gathering reportedly planned by the chief, and compel local leadership to address the community’s grievances.

Their protest comes at a time when the national conversation around galamsey—its impact on rivers, farmlands and community safety—continues to intensify.

“The people have repeatedly petitioned the palace for change, but the kingsmen are still not listening,” Dankwa added. “The situation is troubling, and the chief is not addressing it. We urge the IGP to intervene, stop the chief from holding gatherings, and ensure our concerns are heard.”

The Accra High Court has dismissed an application filed by lawyers for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking further disclosures from state prosecutors in his ongoing criminal trial.

The defence team had argued that the documents being requested were essential for the preparation of their case. The court, however, disagreed.

The matter was first adjourned on 25 November 2025 after lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, informed the court of plans to formally make the request. When the case resumed on Monday, 8 December, both parties presented their arguments, with Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai, urging the court to dismiss the application as unfounded.

After considering the submissions, presiding judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay struck out the application, ruling that the defence had not demonstrated sufficient grounds for the request.

Speaking to the press after the proceedings, Mr Appiah-Kubi stated that the court’s decision affirmed their long-held belief that the prosecution did not possess the documents being sought. He added that the defence team was fully satisfied with the ruling, calling it consistent with their expectations.

Chairman Wontumi is currently facing a six-count criminal charge filed in October by the Office of the Attorney-General. The charges relate to alleged breaches of Ghana’s mining laws, specifically unauthorised mining activities said to have taken place at Samreboi in the Western Region.

He is standing trial alongside Kwame Antwi and Akonta Mining Company Limited, his mining firm. The charges invoke provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).