TIG Post

Tag: Chinese Company

  • Armed robbers shoot over five Chinese in mining site robbery attack at Akyem Akokoaso

    A group of about 15 armed robbers has allegedly attacked the premises of Jia Xin Industrial Mining Company in Akyem Akokoaso, within the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency of the Eastern Region.

    According to reports, five Chinese nationals were shot, with three currently in critical condition following the incident.

    The perpetrators forced their way into the mining site during a social gathering at night, robbing victims of their belongings and bolting with about Ghc10,000 in cash along with two gold bars.

    Tragically, one of the victims suffered a gunshot wound in a particularly sensitive area.

    Appearing to be a well-planned and diligently executed attack, the robbers took deliberate steps to disable the site’s CCTV cameras by seizing their decoders. 

    “15 people executed the mission, tough guys. They didn’t pass through the Akokoaso Kade road. They took along the decoders for the CCTV cameras. They didn’t target other civilians. The company is licenced to do deep mining prospecting in the Akokoaso old shaft but is taking undue advantage to mine to that extent,” a witness mentioned during a media engagement.

    Meanwhile, victims are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

    This event has brought to light longstanding tensions between the mining company and the local community. 

    Over the years, residents have voiced grievances against Jia Xin Industrial, accusing them of engaging in illegal mining practices. 

    Concerns stem particularly from the company’s lack of proper licencing for extensive underground mining, which has reportedly had adverse effects on the area.

    In 2018, Jia Xin Industrial inherited the prospecting licence from Ofosua Mining and Construction Company, a move approved by then-Minister John Peter Amewu.

    However, recent confrontations between the company and local youth have intensified. Just three weeks prior to the robbery, 16 individuals from Akokoaso were arrested for illegal mining activities on the company’s concession, allegedly under the direction of Chinese authorities.

    It’s worth noting that the mining company has been a frequent target of robbery attacks in recent times.

  • Gov’t ‘working hard’ to have more Chinese companies in Ghana

    Gov’t ‘working hard’ to have more Chinese companies in Ghana

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has conveyed the government’s deliberate efforts to position the country as a favored hub for Chinese businesses across the African continent.

    In a pivotal engagement held in Accra, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta disclosed the government’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with the Chinese Business Community in Ghana. The occasion was part of the Ghana Mutual Prosperity Partnership, signaling a strategic effort to enhance collaboration between the two entities.

    “We want to use this platform to tease out the problems you face, equip you for the challenges of the future and increase Ghana’s attractiveness as a base for Chinese businesses on the continent,” Mr Ofori-Atta stated.

    The Finance Minister underscored Ghana’s economic resurgence, steady exchange rates, and decreasing interest rates as advantageous elements for businesses eyeing exports to China. Additionally, he highlighted the encouraging trajectory of the Bank of Ghana’s Business Confidence Index, signifying a growing confidence in the overall economic conditions of the country.

    Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is developing an Investment Code to expand incentives for both domestic and foreign strategic investments, with the aim of promoting a predictable and favourable environment for investment.

    China holds a crucial position in Ghana’s trade and investment landscape, with an FDI stock of approximately US$1.1 billion. Ghana stands as the 4th largest buyer of Chinese goods on the African continent, consuming approximately US$7.9 billion of Chinese exports in 2022, underlining the strong trade ties between the two nations.

    Reflecting on this enduring relationship, Mr Ofori-Atta expressed gratitude for China’s support during challenging times, notably as the first responder for anti-pandemic supplies during the “once-in-a-generation” pandemic. China’s leadership in supporting Ghana’s bid to restructure bilateral debts also showcased commitment to Ghana’s economic recovery efforts, he said.

    Chinese businesses play a vital role in driving infrastructure development in Ghana, particularly in sustainable business growth, energy and aviation sectors. Contracts underscore the importance of responsible business practices.

    Ambassador Lu Kun of The People’s Republic of China in Ghana highlighted the significance of the two nations’ 60-year diplomatic relations and the role of Ghana in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Bilateral trade volume reached US$9 billion in the first 10 months of 2023, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.8 percent . Ambassador Lu Kun reiterated China’s commitment to sincere cooperation and shared interests.

    Chairman Yang Qun of the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Ghana recognized the pivotal role of Chinese business investments in Ghana’s progress. Addressing challenges and acknowledging existing investments, he emphasized the positive impact of Chinese enterprises on Ghana’s economic landscape, contributing to sustainable development and community engagement.

    As Ghana and China enter the Chinese New Year, both nations express optimism for a prosperous year ahead, building on their historical partnership and commitment to mutual growth.