‘Why we don’t need China to advise us’ – Frimpong-Boateng on mining cooperation

Former Environment, Science and Technology Minister, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has expressed skepticism about Ghana's decision to strengthen cooperation with China to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey. This comes after an agreement was reached between Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and China's Ministry of Natural Resources during a high-level meeting in Tianjin, China, ahead of the 2026 China Mining Conference.

The agreement aims to enhance geological survey expertise and promote responsible investment in Ghana's mining sector. However, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng argues that Ghana should not need China's help, claiming that the country has not developed sufficient technical capacity to manage its geological and mining-related needs independently.

He also questions the government's commitment to tackling illegal mining, stating that he has yet to witness actions that indicate a genuine effort to address the issue. Furthermore, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng highlights the presence of dissenting voices within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) but notes that they are reluctant to speak openly about their concerns.

He also criticizes the country's reliance on foreign nations for support in areas where Ghana should be self-reliant, citing the Czech Republic's ambassador visiting Kumasi to revive a shoe factory as an example.