Ghana Tightens Visa Policies for Chinese Nationals Amid Galamsey Crackdown

Ghana has implemented stringent new visa requirements for Chinese nationals as part of its intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced during the Government Accountability Series held at the Presidency on Monday 15th September, 2025.

The new policy eliminates group visa processing and mandates individual interviews for all Chinese applicants seeking entry into Ghana.

“We have a new policy now at our embassy in Beijing and our consulate in Guangzhou, where we no longer process group visa applications,” Minister Ablakwa stated. “Everybody must show up for an interview, and no matter if you claim you are coming for a conference and sketching whatever, you must all produce yourselves individually and apply individually.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that there is now “a strict directive that no more group processing of visas” will be permitted.

The policy change follows high-level diplomatic engagement with Chinese authorities. Minister Ablakwa revealed that during his recent visit to China, he met directly with officials in regions known for sending nationals to engage in illegal mining in Ghana.

“I went to the state where they are notorious for sending their nationals here to engage in galamsey. I met with the governor, the city authorities,” Ablakwa disclosed. “In that meeting, I did not mince words at all. I really stated President’s position that this cannot continue.”

Despite the crackdown, Minister Ablakwa stressed Ghana’s commitment to maintaining positive diplomatic and economic relations with China.

“We have very great relations with China, and to be fair to the Chinese, a lot of them are doing good business. They are investing in transformative projects,” he noted. “There is no official China government policy to come and destroy our environment.”

The Minister clarified Ghana’s position on Chinese investment: “We welcome good investors to come partner with us and transform our economy, but we will not accept you sending your nationals here to engage in galamsey.”

The visa policy tightening is part of broader enforcement measures against illegal mining. Minister Ablakwa confirmed that Ghana’s crackdown on galamsey operations remains active.

“We have been cracking down, arresting them, prosecuting them, and we will continue with the arrests and prosecutions,” he stated.

The Minister also noted Chinese government cooperation in addressing the issue: “They have made clear anytime we have engaged with officials in Beijing, they have been supporting us to get rid of their nationals who come in.”

The new visa requirements will affect all Chinese nationals seeking to enter Ghana, regardless of their stated purpose. The policy requires individual applications and interviews even for those claiming to attend conferences or conduct legitimate business activities.

This represents a significant shift from previous practices and demonstrates Ghana’s determination to combat illegal mining while maintaining diplomatic relations with one of its key economic partners.

The policy is expected to enhance screening processes and deter individuals seeking to engage in illegal mining activities while allowing legitimate investors and business people to continue their operations in Ghana.