Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced a major policy shift at Ghana’s diplomatic missions in China aimed at curbing the influx of foreigners involved in illegal mining.
Speaking at his Government Accountability Series, the Foreign Minister revealed that group visa applications will no longer be accepted at Ghana’s embassy in Beijing and consulate in Guangzhou.
“We have a new policy now at our embassy in Beijing and our consulate in Guangzhou where we no longer process group visa applications.
“Everybody must show up for an interview, and no matter if you claim you are coming for a conference or whatever, you must all produce yourselves individually and apply individually. So there’s a strict directive that no more group processing of visas,” he explained.
He stressed that the new directive was a direct outcome of his recent meeting with Chinese officials in Nanning, a city in Guangxi Province identified as a source of nationals who travel to Ghana to engage in illegal mining. According to him, the policy is designed to ensure tighter scrutiny of those seeking to enter Ghana.
Ablakwa underscored the severity of the galamsey crisis, describing it as a threat to Ghana’s very survival.
“This galamsey menace is really a menace that all of us must confront and 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,” he warned.
He clarified that while the Foreign Ministry cannot directly remove those engaged in illegal mining within Ghana, it has a duty to strengthen the country’s borders and immigration processes.
“The little we can do as foreign ministry, making sure that at least we stop suspicious characters from coming in, we are doing that.
“Of course, we are not responsible for going into the field and removing those who are engaged in that. We have other ministries who are capable and competent in dealing with the ground menace,” he said.
