Writer: Daniel Benin || OHIM TV
The recent news headline from NewsAlertGH.com—“GoldBod Bans Chinese, Other Foreigners From Ghana’s Gold Trading Market”—is yet another disturbing example of a growing and toxic narrative in the Ghanaian media: the continuous demonization and stereotyping of Chinese nationals as lawbreakers and exploiters.
Let’s be clear. The new GoldBod directive bans all foreigners from the local gold trading market—not just the Chinese.
Yet, the headline chose to lead with “Chinese,” unfairly singling out one nationality and fueling xenophobic sentiments.
This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader media agenda that appears increasingly comfortable with scapegoating the Chinese community for Ghana’s economic and environmental challenges.
Why is it that whenever regulations are imposed on foreign participation in mining or trade, the Chinese are the first—and often only—group mentioned? Is it because it makes for more sensational headlines?
Or because the media has decided it’s convenient to turn a blind eye to the hundreds of Chinese-owned businesses that are operating legally and contributing immensely to Ghana’s economy?
Chinese companies are deeply involved in Ghana’s construction, manufacturing, retail, and technology sectors.
They create jobs for Ghanaians, pay taxes, and bring in valuable investments.
These businesses operate with permits, under the same laws as everyone else, and are subject to the same scrutiny.
Yet, little to no coverage is given to their positive impact.
Instead, the public is constantly fed a one-sided story that portrays all Chinese as illegal miners and economic saboteurs.
It is time to ask: Who benefits from this narrative?
Certainly not the ordinary Ghanaian, who could lose employment opportunities and economic benefits from collaborations with Chinese firms.
Certainly not Ghana’s international image, which risks being tainted as hostile to foreign investors. And certainly not the principles of fairness and objectivity that the media should uphold.
By continuously framing Chinese people as the face of every foreign policy crackdown, Ghanaian media outlets are not only misleading the public, they are stoking resentment, encouraging xenophobia, and undermining diplomatic relations between Ghana and China—a key trade and development partner.
Let us remember: the rule of law applies to all. If there are violators, they should be dealt with as individuals—not condemned by nationality.
Holding people accountable must not become a witch hunt against a specific group.
Ghana’s media has a duty to inform the public accurately and fairly.
It is high time media houses stop this biased reporting and start reflecting the truth—that not all Chinese in Ghana are “bad nuts.”
Many are partners in progress, allies in development, and law-abiding contributors to our shared future.
Enough is enough.
Let’s call out the hypocrisy. Let’s demand balanced journalism. And most importantly, let’s end the lazy stereotyping of an entire people based on the misconduct of a few.
Ghana deserves better. So do the Chinese who call this country home.
