China following case of detained Chinese miners in Ghana

BEIJING - China is closely following the case of more than 90 Chinese miners, who are being detained in Ghana, suspected of illegal gold mining.

The Chinese citizens were arrested by Ghanaian authorities during an investigation into illegal gold mining by foreigners, with one Chinese national killed during the action, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday.

Ghanaian police and immigration officials launched a joint action on Thursday and Friday. The Chinese Embassy in Accra confirmed the death of a 16-year-old Chinese national on Sunday.

Hong said the ministry and the Chinese embassy in Ghana paid high attention to the case, and that China has lodged representations to ask the West African country to conduct a thorough investigation, punish the perpetrators and compensate the victims.

China has demanded Ghana take measures to protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese nationals and ensure that similar incidents will not happen again, Hong said.

He said that female detainees and some with physical discomfort have been bailed, and the Chinese Embassy has offered necessary healthcare services to the detainees.

Hong called on the Chinese citizens in Ghana to abide by local laws and regulations.

The Ghanaian government has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chinese national, and promised to handle the case in accordance with law, Hong said.