Chinese Ambassador, Sun Baohong with Ashanti Regional Minister Osei-Mensah
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Sun Baohong has stated that her country will encourage its nationals to take advantage of Government of Ghana’s one-district-one-factory projects as China prepares to support the initiatives.
According to her, China holds Ghana in high regard that it always welcomes the country’s nationals with open arms due to the common investment opportunities they share together.
The Ambassador made this known when she paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, at his office on Friday.
The meeting was to discuss issues of mutual concern to the two countries, particularly on illegal mining which her nationals have been heavily linked to. It formed part of her working visit to tour all regions of the country.
Mrs. Baohong described relationship between the two countries as cordial and mutually fruitful since it has helped in the socio-economic and political advancement of both Ghana and China.
According to her, China’s friendship with Ghana dates back to the days of former President Nkrumah, and indicated that the cordial relation was given much importance by ex-President John Kufour.
On the issue of illegal mining, the Ambassador said it had become too complicated and called on the nation’s authorities not target only Chinese nationals in the fight against galamsey.
She disclosed that China was willing to support Government of Ghana’s strong competence and determination to tackle the illegal mining menace in the country, adding that her outfit had already opened discussions to make Chinese nationals stay safe and abide by Ghana’s laws.
On his part, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah expressed Ghana’s appreciation to China for its assistance in the area of commerce, infrastructure and others, which had greatly helped Ghana advance her economy.
He asked the Ambassador to advise her people to stay away from all forms of small scale mining activities in respect of Government’s ban and rather enter into large scale mining “because the Chinese have the capacity.”
The Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government for its support towards the construction of the uncompleted Sofoline Interchange.
From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi