The seventeenth Chinese ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor.

Mr Defa's visit was to officially announce his presence in the country as the foremost Chinese citizen and to share ideas on deepening the historically rich relationship between China and Ghana.

The visit by Tong Defa, also, served as a platform for the two countries to reaffirm their commitment to the responsible and sustainable exploitation of Ghana’s mineral resources, where China’s presence and interest are significant and profound.

In his brief welcome address, Mr Samuel A. Jinapor commended China for being a faithful partner to Ghana, noting the relationship between Ghana and China had not only been in existence since Ghana’s independence but had also been hugely beneficial to the country’s development over the years.

He welcomed Ambassador Tong Defa’s gesture, noting his visit was indicative of the Chinese government’s commitment to collaborating with Ghana to harness the country’s mineral resources within the scope of the law and environmental commitment.

The Lands Minister said the ministry would continue to work with the Chinese embassy and companies to ensure they operated within an environment necessary for their growth.

“The relationship between our countries is strong and historic. We've had a strong relationship since independence. There is a lot of Chinese involvement in the large-scale mining industry of our country,” he stated.

“In the Upper East, there is Shandong Gold. Cardinal Namdini is going to be the third-largest mining company in the country when completed. They are also making plans to build an airport in Bolgatanga, which is very good,” Mr Jinapor revealed.

“We look forward to working closely to ensure that Chinese involvement in the management of our lands and natural resources is done in accordance with Ghanaian laws and with regard for the environment of Ghana,” he underlined.

Disclosing the purpose of his visit, Mr Tong Defa noted Ghana and China had collaborated in various fields, and his presence was to continue and improve on the work done by his predecessors.

He commended Mr Samuel A. Jinapor for the warm welcome, assuring him of his dedication to strengthening the bilateral relationships between the two countries.