In yet another disturbing escalation of xenophobia targeting Chinese businesses in Ghana, eight armed police officers allegedly stormed the premises of the Chinese-owned Greenhouse Group Bright International Freezones Company in Dawhenya, Tema, and brutally assaulted the Group Chairman, Mr. Zheng Xiangming, without a warrant or justification.
Eyewitnesses say the officers—who arrived in two police vehicles, a deep blue Nissan pickup with registration number GP 912 and a light blue vehicle with number plate GP 989—handcuffed Mr. Zheng and five other Chinese staff members, beat them in public view, and detained them without charge.
No warrant was presented. No clear explanation was given
This shocking incident has triggered widespread alarm, particularly among foreign investors and diplomatic observers who now fear that Chinese nationals and businesses in Ghana are being systematically targeted for harassment and intimidation.
A Climate Of Fear Grips Greenhouse Group
The attack took place in the afternoon of Saturday, July 5, leaving workers, staff, and foreign nationals traumatized.
Sources at the company say the assault was linked to a land and boundary dispute instigated by a rival local contractor, Mr. Justice Amoh of Justmoh Construction Company, who allegedly used his influence to deploy the rogue officers.
Investigations conducted by this reporter confirm that the operation was carried out without the knowledge of the IGP, the Police Operations Directorate, or National Security.
The Ghana Police Service has since launched a manhunt for the eight officers involved in what is now being called an unauthorized, rogue operation.
Company sources reveal that Mr. Zheng was not even on-site at the disputed boundary but was driving through the industrial park when he was apprehended.
Two other Chinese nationals, Mr. Nian Jinsheng and Zheng Zhonghua, along with three local machine operators, were also arrested.
All have since been released, though Mr. Zheng reportedly sustained injuries to his back during the assault.
“We are terrified. How can police come with guns, handcuff our Chairman without a warrant, and treat all Chinese like criminals? Even local workers were handcuffed and dragged away without a single question,” a senior staff member said in disbelief.
An Economic Powerhouse Now Under Siege
The Greenhouse Group, which has invested millions into Ghana’s economy, currently employs over 3,000 workers, and through its industrial development model has attracted 60 enterprises to the Bright International Freezones Industry Park, generating more than 9,000 jobs.
According to the Chief of Afienya, Simpim Afedi Katamanso Yilagbeye, who visited the police headquarters in solidarity with the company, the harassment is not only disgraceful but a betrayal of the Chinese firm’s enormous contributions to community development and employment.
“This is a disgraceful abuse of power. Our community knows what the Chinese have done for us,” the Chief said. “We must not allow such criminal intimidation to destroy investor confidence in Ghana.”
Triggering A Dangerous Diplomatic Crisis
The incident at Greenhouse Group follows on the heels of the widely publicized arrest of 10 Chinese nationals in Asankragua, Western Region, accused of illegal gold trading by Mr. Sammy Gyamfi and his GoldBod.
Observers now fear that these arrests have emboldened state and non-state actors to indiscriminately target Chinese nationals in all sectors—from mining to manufacturing, and now to real estate and industrial investment.
There is growing concern that xenophobic attitudes are being weaponized under the guise of law enforcement, often through illegal or politically motivated operations.
Key Questions Ghana Must Answer
The Chinese business community in Ghana is now demanding answers:
* Why are Ghanaian collaborators in illegal operations consistently left off the hook, while Chinese nationals are paraded and scapegoated?
* Why are Chinese citizens working in completely unrelated sectors now being targeted as criminals?
* Why is the Minerals Commission not being held accountable for licensing and documentation inconsistencies that leave Chinese investors vulnerable?
* Is the Ghanaian state silently signaling an end to its economic partnership with China?
An Urgent Call for Government Intervention
With tensions mounting, calls are growing louder for President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security, and the Police Administration to step in, restore investor confidence, and halt the discriminatory practices threatening the country’s international image.
“If Ghana no longer welcomes Chinese nationals and investors, the government should issue a formal notice,” said a representative close to the Chinese business community. “But we will not accept being hunted and beaten like criminals.”
A petition is already being prepared to be submitted to the Chinese Embassy and copied to Ghanaian authorities, and major diplomatic missions.
Enough is Enough: Ghana Must Reject Xenophobia
Ghana has long prided itself on hospitality, tolerance, and a rules-based order. But these recent events, left unaddressed, could rapidly deteriorate into a full-blown diplomatic and human rights crisis.
Let it be made clear: No nationality should be vilified, assaulted, or criminalized based on identity.
Due process, equality before the law, and fair treatment must apply to all—Ghanaian or foreigner alike. The world is watching.
Source : Daniel Benin || Investigative Journalist
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