​​The recent statement by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, regarding the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) has sparked public conversation in some sections of the media. While the Ambassador's concern is noted, it has become clear that his message of collaboration was largely taken out of context, overshadowed by a narrative that focuses disproportionately on nationality rather than the complexity of the crime itself. It is essential to acknowledge that ‘galamsey’ is a multifaceted issue involving a wide array of stakeholders, including both local and foreign actors.