South‐South Irregular Migration: The Impacts of China's Informal Gold Rush in Ghana

Abstract

This article examines irregular South‐South migration from China to Ghana, and the role it played in transforming livelihoods and broader developmental landscapes. It looks at the entry of approximately 50,000 Chinese migrants into the informal small‐scale gold mining sector from 2008‐2013. These migrants mainly hailed from Shanglin County in Guangxi Province. In Ghana, they formed mutually beneficial relationships with local miners, both legal and illegal, introducing machinery that substantially increased gold production. However, the legal status of Chinese miners was particularly problematic as, by law, small‐scale mining is restricted to Ghanaian citizens. In mid‐2013, President Mahama established a military task force against illegal mining, resulting in the deportation of many Chinese miners. The article examines the experiences of both Chinese migrants and Ghanaian miners. Findings are that irregular migration into an informal sector had long‐lasting impacts and played a significant role in the transformation of economic, political, and physical landscapes in Ghana.

Golden Migrants: The Rise and Impact of Illegal Chinese Small‐Scale Mining in Ghana

“…However, this source of livelihood has been threatened by the Chinese authorities, which have often intervened to stop their mining operations because of clashes with other ethnic Chinese groups. According to Botchwey and others (, 313‐4), over the years, many of the Shanglin residents became expert miners and even developed their own sophisticated mining techniques and equipment—such as trommels, water platforms, crushing machines, pumps, and suction equipment—required for river mining. However, in the 1990s, Shanglin's residents got into conflict with the locals of Xinjiang and Heilongjiang when they migrated there to mine.…”

“…They are tagged as the “Shanglin gang” because they mostly hailed from the poverty stricken Shanglin County in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. They sought to flee the poverty and governmental threats against their traditional alluvial mining livelihood (Botchwey et al , 1) and thus viewed Ghana as a viable alternative.…”

“…They feel the laws of Ghana do not work and they are at liberty to do anything and get away with it as long as they are ready to pay corrupt public officials. Indeed, there have been instances where “Chinese miners in one area would visit the police station to turn themselves in monthly for breaking the law, and then pay the fine for their transgression” (Botchwey et al , 11) as part of a recurring corrupt deal between the lawbreakers and law enforcement. The “fines” serve as protection money rather than as a form of punishment for breaking the law.…”

“…Although the exact number of Chinese migrants in Ghana is not officially known, estimates range between 7,000 and 20,000 (Mohan et al , 20‐1) to as high as 50,000 (Botchwey et al , 1). However, this could be higher considering the fact that 4,592 illegal Chinese miners were deported between June and July 2013 alone (Hirsch ).…”

“…Unlike their Ghanaian counterparts, the Chinese can afford the cost of the heavy mining machinery that can cost as much as USD $150,000 and an additional $3,000 for shipment to Ghana. The Chinese miners also come prepared with enough money to cover operating costs such as living expenses and bribing public officials (Botchwey et al , 3).…”