On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, His Excellency Tong Defa, the seventeenth Chinese ambassador to Ghana, paid a courtesy call on Honorable Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to formally announce his presence in the nation as the leading Chinese citizen and to exchange ideas on strengthening the historically rich relationship between the two nations.
China has a huge and profound interest in Ghana’s mineral resources, and the visit by His Excellency Tong Defa provided a forum for the two nations to reaffirm their commitment to the responsible and sustainable utilization of these resources.
During his succinct welcoming speech, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor thanked China for being a devoted partner to Ghana, pointing out that the two countries’ connection has not only existed since Ghana’s independence but has also greatly aided the nation’s growth throughout time.
He expressed gratitude for His Excellency Tong Defa’s generosity and said that his visit shows Ghana’s government’s willingness to working with China to utilize the country’s mineral resources in accordance with the law and environmental commitments.
According to the Minister, the Ministry will keep collaborating with the Chinese embassy and businesses to make sure they are operating in a setting that is conducive to their expansion.
“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”, the Minister added.
“*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 said.
Having revealed the reason for his visit, His Excellency Tong Defa pointed out that China and Ghana have cooperated in a number of areas, and his role is to build on and carry on the efforts of his predecessors.
He thanked Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor for the kind greeting and gave him his word that he would work hard to improve the two nations’ bilateral ties.
Source: newsthemegh.com