Daniel Benin || OHIM TV
In recent times, a deeply troubling trend has been unfolding within our borders — one that risks not only our diplomatic relations but also our national development goals.
It has emerged that some officials within the Ghana Immigration Service have resorted to exploiting Chinese nationals in Ghana, using the language barrier as a weapon to harass, frustrate, and extort big monies from them.
These actions are not only shameful; they are a dangerous betrayal of our national values of fairness, integrity, and hospitality.
Chinese nationals, many of whom come into our country as investors, contractors, and development partners, are increasingly being treated as easy targets for personal gain by some unscrupulous officers.
From the moment they arrive at the airport or attempt to regularize their stay, some officials reportedly see them as “cash cows,” leveraging the communication gap to impose unjust charges and, in some cases, issue fake immigration documents in exchange for hefty sums. The horror doesn’t end there.
Investigations and testimonies have revealed that once these Chinese nationals are settled, those same officials sometimes tip off other units to raid their homes and businesses, accusing them of using fake documents — the very same documents they were handed after being duped.
In effect, these officials turn around to punish the victims of their own corruption.
This disturbing pattern is not only unethical and illegal; it threatens to damage Ghana’s image on the global stage, particularly with one of our most important development partners — China.
The Chinese Contribution To Ghana’s Growth
It is essential to recognize and respect the immense contributions the Chinese community has made to Ghana’s development.
From roads and bridges to major public infrastructure, China has been a consistent and valuable partner in our national progress.
Some notable infrastructure projects undertaken by Chinese entities include:
• The Bui Dam Project – a major hydroelectric dam which has significantly boosted Ghana’s energy supply.
• The Ghana-China LEKMA Hospital at Teshie Nungua
• The National Theatre in Accra which has served as a major platform and center for national events among others
• The Atuabo Gas Processing Plant – enhancing energy production and reducing our reliance on imported fuel.
• The George Walker Bush Highway (N1 Highway) – a critical roadway in Accra that has improved transportation and commerce.
• University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in the Volta Region – a major educational facility constructed with Chinese assistance.
• The new Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport – an architectural masterpiece that has transformed our air travel infrastructure.
• The Tamale Interchange
These are just a few of the many contributions the Chinese government and private investors have made to our national development.
They have invested in manufacturing, construction, mining, telecommunications, and education — creating jobs and transferring skills to Ghanaians.
With this context, it is utterly unacceptable that Chinese nationals who contribute so significantly to our economy and society are being subjected to such indignities by officers whose duty it is to protect and serve.
A Call to Action
The Ghana Immigration Service must act swiftly to investigate these allegations and bring the culprits to book.
This is not just about protecting foreign nationals — it is about upholding the law and restoring the integrity of our institutions.
The Service must also introduce clear measures to assist non-English speakers, including language support officers or translated materials, to ensure that no foreign national is left vulnerable to exploitation.
Let us not allow the greed of a few individuals to destroy the reputation of an entire country.
Let us protect the rights of our guests and prove to the world that Ghana is a safe, welcoming, and law-abiding nation for all.
To the leadership of the Ghana Immigration Service: the time to act is now. Let us root out the rot and build a system that works for everyone — Ghanaians and foreigners alike.
