Chinese nationals face trial after deportation from Ghana

In the latest twist in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, deported Chinese nationals are now facing prosecution back home. According to sources, the Chinese government expressed support for Ghana’s actions, describing the involvement of its nationals in illegal mining as “disgraceful” and damaging to the strong diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

The source explained that “foreigners arrested for illegal mining often exploit loopholes in the judicial process.” “They establish connections within security agencies and deliberately choose courts that offer favorable bail terms. Once granted bail, they relocate to different districts and resume their illegal activities, while court cases drag on for years without resolution.”

Also read: Forestry Commission Officials Burn 4 Excavators Used for Galamsey in Atewa Forest Reserve

In this year alone, over 100 foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, have been deported for offenses relating to illegal mining and other crimes.

Recently, thirty Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, were arrested and deported. However, instead of slipping back into obscurity, they’ve landed in the hands of Chinese immigration officers at the Kotoka International Airport. Sources confirmed that the handover led by Head of Airport Operations, Superintendent Li Ran, was conducted in a “polite and professional manner.”

Illegal mining has been a menace in Ghana for decades, destroying forests and water bodies. Deportation without prosecution sends the message that foreign nationals can come, destroy our land, and simply be sent home when caught.

If Ghana really wants to end galamsey, it must prosecute offenders locally—regardless of nationality.
China insists it is taking Ghana’s concerns seriously, but skeptics wonder—will these trials lead to actual convictions, or will the accused quietly disappear into the system?