China has asked the Ghana government to properly treat its nationals who have been detained for suspected illegal mining activities.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, about 116 Chinese citizens suspected of engaging in illegal mining have been arrested in Ghana and are set to be repatriated to China.
“Being highly concerned, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Embassy in Ghana have maintained close communication with the Ghanaian side and asked them to properly handle relevant issues and safeguard the safety and lawful rights of Chinese citizens in Ghana,” Hong Lei’s, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said at a daily press briefing June 5, 2013, according to a transcript of the briefings.
Mr Lei added that officials from the Chinese Embassy in Ghana have paid “consular visits to them and asked the Ghanaian side to enforce laws in a civilized way, grant humanitarian treatment to Chinese detainees and guarantee their safety and lawful rights and interests”.
The Ghanaian government has taken an array of clean-up actions against foreigners’ illegal mining activities in Ghana, which involved some Chinese citizens.
The Chinese Embassy, according to Mr Lei, has notified Chinese citizens in Ghana of the situation through various channels and reminded them to abide by local laws and regulations in their work so as to avoid damage to their own security rights and interests.
Ghana is Africa’s second biggest gold producer after South Africa.
Ghana Business News
