Diplomatic Relations, Environment and Development: an Interrogation of Ghana-china Relations and Illegal Gold Mining in the Amansie South District

Abstract

ABSTRACT The thesis interrogates the environmental impacts of Chinese involvement in illegal gold mining (IGM) and how diplomatic relations impede programmes put in place to deal with this menace. Ghana-China diplomatic relations aim to promote cooperation, trade and economic development among the two states. Ghana-China relations have therefore, promoted trade, Chinese migration and their involvement in IGM in Ghana. Recent reports of the depletion of Ghana’s forests and water resources by Chinese illegal miners have sparked a raging debate in development circles on the future of Ghana-China relations and diplomacy. Environmental degradation as a result of illegal mining is a threat to the livelihood of individuals, countries and the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15. The study uses the dependency, neoliberal and sustainable development theories to explain the concepts of trade, bilateral relations, environment and development in relation to Ghana China relations. To achieve the objective of the study, the qualitative research approach was used. A total of 26 individuals were interviewed. Exploratory and descriptive research designs were employed for the study. As part of data management, collected data from field work were cleaned and edited for spelling mistakes and inconsistencies before entries were made for analysis. Data analysis was carried out manually. For the different research objectives, content and thematic analyses were conducted. Finally, the study found that diplomatic relations conspire or combine to impede programmes put in place to deal with illegal mining, therefore, resulting in the destruction of the natural environment especially forest and water resources.