The Ashanti regional minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has told some Chinese nationals that he has seen how beautiful their rivers and forests are and wants the same for Ghana.
According to Dr Frank Amoakohene, China’s beautiful rivers and forests have motivated him to fight against illegal mining.
He further highlights that Ghana welcomes anyone who wants to mine legally in the country.
Speaking at the International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism in China, Dr Amoakohene stated, “When I came to China, I saw how beautiful your rivers are and how green your forests are. I want the same for my country.”
Dr Frank Amoakohene at the International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism in China, stated, “When I came, I saw how beautiful your rivers are and how green your forests are. I want the same for my country.”
He added, “I have beautiful rivers and beautiful forests; however, we have gold in abundance, for which reason people come in and engage in illegal mining, they destroy our forest, they destroy our rivers.
What I want to use this platform to caution is that Ghana is open for partnership in exploring our minerals in Australia, they are there through Newmont, and they have fewer environmental issues. In South Africa, they are there through AngloGold, and they have fewer environmental issues”.
Dr Frank Amoakohene confidently told the gathering that some Chinese Nationals collaborate with Ghanaian locals to engage in illegal mining activities.
He added, “Unfortunately, in some cases, we arrest some of the Chinese Nationals who collaborate with some nationals who collaborate with locals to do it illegally and spoil our water and forest. We are open to anyone who wants to come to the country and do it legally. Some laws will support.
However, those who do it illegally, I have been motivated by the sight of your beautiful rivers and your beautiful forests to go and jealously protect my rivers in my country”.
Meanwhile, Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has said Ghana will need US$200,000 to pilot nano nano-liquid technological solution to reverse the devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey) on water bodies.
According to the Executive Director EPA, the dechemicalization solution, containing a copper-based ‘nano liquid,’ has been laboratory-tested and proven effective in purifying heavily contaminated rivers.
She revealed the EPA is looking at various options, including membrane-based purification.
Speaking on JOYNEWS The Probe, October 5, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse explained, “I want to tell my fellow Ghanaians that there is still hope, because we are in a technology age”.
“Yes, there’s a nano liquid that is copper-based that can be used. That’s just one”.
She added, “We have tried this, which has been tested in Greece. I have seen for myself. We have done the test in the lab for the EPA and advised the government on this; we have tested it, and it works, and it’s doable.”
“To do pilots to show to Ghanaians and even the presidents that this is doable. We need 200,000 USD if I get it today, we will do the pilot for every Ghanaian to see that with the flowing river, this particular technology can be used.”
“We are looking at all of the options, and we will have to decide on the one that is more affordable, not just cheap affordable, because it’s effective and also cost-effective”, Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse added.
Watch the video below:
“When I came to China, I saw how beautiful your rivers are and how green your forests are. I want the same for my country.” – Ashanti regional minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene at the International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism in China pic.twitter.com/2WpzLtlLPZ
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) October 24, 2025