One Chinese killed, over 100 detained in Ghana

ACCRA - A 16-year-old Chinese national was killed and more than 100 others were detained by Ghanaian police for suspected illegal gold mining, the Chinese Embassy in Accra said on Sunday.

Ghana's police and immigration officials launched a joint action on Thursday and Friday to investigate illegal gold mining activities by foreigners in the Ashanti region and arrested more than 100 Chinese citizens, the embassy said.

On one mining site near Manso, a township close to the region's capital Kumasi, policemen on Thursday destroyed mining facilities and work sheds. In the operation, the boy, known as Chen, was shot dead when he tried to escape, the embassy said.

Upon learning the news, Chinese Ambassador Gong Jianzhong urgently met Ghanaian Deputy Foreign Minister Chris Kpodo and National Security Coordinator Larry Gbevlo Lartey and expressed serious concerns over the death of Chen and the detention of Chinese workers. The ambassador demanded thorough investigation into the shooting and compensation for the family of the victim.

The Ghanaian government has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chinese boy and promised to investigate the case.

The Chinese Embassy called on all Chinese in Ghana to abide by related laws and regulations to safeguard their legal interests.

According to Ghanaian laws, foreign companies are only allowed to work independently on large and open-pit mines.

A majority of Chinese workers in Ghana work in road and harbor constructions, gas pipeline projects and other China-aided projects.