China: Ghana detains 90 Chinese for illegal mining
Oct 14, 2012, 9:29 AM
BEIJING (AP) – China says Ghana has detained more than 90 Chinese citizens on suspicion of illegal gold mining and that one has died.
The Foreign Ministry said Sunday it has expressed serious concern to Ghana over the death and detentions. It said it understands Ghana will deal with the matter according to the law and protect the safety and rights of Chinese citizens.
The ministry gave few details in an online statement. It said Ghanaian authorities have cracked down on illegal gold mining this year and arrested the Chinese “recently.”
Last month, the Chinese Embassy in Ghana announced that 40 Chinese had been detained on suspicion of illegal gold mining. Thirty-eight were deported.
China is eager to be seen as capable of maintaining the security and rights of its citizens abroad.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
