Detained Chinese miners in Ghana freed on bail

ACCRA - All of the 101 Chinese miners detained by Ghanaian police for suspected illegal gold mining were freed on bail as of Wednesday night, the Chinese Embassy in Ghana confirmed on Thursday.

The 101 Chinese minors were detained and a 16-year-old Chinese national was killed by Ghanaian police during a joint action by Ghana's police and immigration officials to investigate illegal gold mining activities by foreigners in the Ashanti region.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Ghana paid high attention to the case, and China has lodged representations to ask the Ghanaian government 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.

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

The female and the weak detainees had been freed on bail earlier upon requirement from the Chinese government, according to the Chinese Embassy in Accra.

The Chinese Embassy has offered necessary healthcare services to the detainees.