Accra: Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has raised concerns over the increasing involvement of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese, in illegal mining activities in Ghana widely known as galamsey. He made the remarks during a visit to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, on February 4, 2026.
According to Ghana Web, the Chief Justice emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between law enforcement and immigration authorities to combat these illegal activities. He highlighted the importance of creating a special force to tackle crimes such as human trafficking, cybercrime, and galamsey. Although galamsey may not be a cross-border crime, the involvement of foreign nationals necessitates a strategic approach to address the issue.
The Chief Justice expressed concern about the presence of Chinese nationals in galamsey sites, noting that they not only engage in mining but also sell tools and purchase gold in these areas. He questioned the means by which these individuals enter Ghana and called for stricter immigration controls to prevent illegal entry.
Despite ongoing efforts by successive governments, illegal mining continues to be a significant challenge in Ghana, leading to severe environmental degradation. The Chief Justice's remarks underline the need for more robust measures to address the persistent issue of galamsey and its foreign involvement.