Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister who also doubles as Member of Parliament for the Bole Bamboi constituency, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, accompanied by some officials of the ministry and the Minerals Commission, have engaged with Chinese mining giant, Zinjin Group of Companies during the China Mining Conference 2025.
The Engagement forms part of the Ghana’s effort to strengthen international cooperation and promote responsible mining practices.
The meeting between the Deputy Minister and the Vice President of Zinjin Group of Companies focused on issues of mutual benefit to Ghana and China.
Key areas of discussion included technology and human resource exchange, where the Deputy Minister appealed to Zinjin to share their methods of extracting gold without the use of mercury and other harmful chemicals that threaten human life in Ghana.
“I also proposed a situation where our two countries can exchange students in our universities to enhance their knowledge of the changing mining industry.”
Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana.
Ghana’s Mining Impacts
Ghana has long grappled with the ravages of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” which has posed devastating consequences on the country’s environment, water bodies, and local communities.
The Lands Ministry has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, implementing various initiatives including the formation of National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Blue Water Guards, geofencing and tracking of excavator, etc. to combat the illegal mining activities and promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.
It is on the back of these initiatives that Deputy Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sulemana together with officials of the ministry and the staff of Ghana Minerals Commission have participated in the China’s Mining Conference 2025 to have firsthand information on how mining can be done without posing danger to lives and environment.
Technical Support for Local Miners
During the discussions, the Deputy Minister expressed Ghana’s readiness to make available some mining concessions to Zinjin and other large-scale companies, while also urging these companies to provide technical support and training to local mining communities.
As the Deputy Minister stated, “This in my opinion will go a long way to help the government defeat illegal mining in Ghana.“
The meeting also touched on the government’s Cooperative Mining Scheme; an initiative aimed at empowering local miners and promoting responsible mining practices.
Hon. Sulemana also highlighted the importance of this program in addressing the challenges of illegal mining and driving the sustainable development of Ghana’s mining sector.
As part of the engagement, the Ghanaian delegation led by the Deputy Minister had the opportunity to tour the mining site of Zinjin, where they were able to appreciate the company’s advanced technology and safety protocols.
This exposure to best practices in the industry is expected to inform Ghana’s efforts to modernize and enhance the safety and environmental standards of its own mining operations.
Ghana’s Sustainable Development Goals
Hon. Sulemana’s engagement with Zinjin formed part of Ghana’s efforts to promote sustainable development and responsible mining practices.
By facilitating technology transfer, capacity building, and international cooperation, the government aims to transform the mining sector into a driver of economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.
The Deputy Minister’s proactive approach to engaging with Chinese mining companies as well underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in the mining industry.
By addressing issues such as the use of harmful chemicals and the empowerment of local miners, the ministry is working to ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth benefits all stakeholders, including local communities.
The bilateral discussions between the two parties, Deputy Minister and Zinjin represent a significant step forward in Ghana’s quest to develop a mining sector that is environmentally friendly and responsible, socially inclusive, and technologically advanced.
By harnessing international partnerships and adopting best practices, the government is poised to transform the country’s mining industry into a model of sustainable development for the African continent and beyond.
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