Ghana Bestows Traditional Chief Title on Chinese Businessman, Social Media Erupts

• Chinese businessman Zheng Xiangming received a traditional title in Ghana for his investment and job creation contributions
• Xiangming, who chairs Greenhouse International Development Group Ghana Limited, reportedly created thousands of jobs in the country
• Social media erupted in debate over whether a foreign national should receive such a distinction

GHANA - A Chinese businessman has been enstooled as a traditional chief in Ghana, sparking heated debate online about foreign recognition and community contributions.

Africa Facts Zone shared the news on X on 31 August 2026, revealing that Zheng Xiangming, chairman of Greenhouse International Development Group Ghana Limited, was bestowed the title Hiowe Golaka Noryam Matse Nene.

The honour was granted in recognition of his business investments and the employment opportunities his operations have generated across the country, with reports indicating thousands of jobs have been created.

What the title actually means

One commenter was quick to offer important context, explaining that the distinction is not a traditional chieftaincy in the conventional sense. The commenter compared it to an honorary degree awarded by a university, noting that Xiangming holds no traditional power or position within Ghana's chiefly hierarchy. It is, rather, a ceremonial gesture of gratitude for community service.

Read also

Cyril Ramaphosa wants South Africa to tackle high electricity costs after ending load shedding

That clarification did little to cool the debate, however, as many Ghanaians and observers weighed in with sharply divided views.

See post here:

Social media divided over the honour

Reactions ranged from outrage to measured support. Some users were furious, pointing to environmental damage caused by Chinese-linked mining operations in Ghana.

@red_eboe wrote:

"Which 'Kwasia' chief bestowed this title a Chinese man? They are everywhere in Ghana allegedly destroying all water bodies. In the next 50 years, there will be no more fresh water in that country."

@boxypiper raised a pointed comparison:

"Ghanaians were fighting against Igbo community chief for Igbos in Ghana only to give a Chinese man a traditional title with full staff of office."

One user added:

"The way they'll honour a foreigner for doing the bare minimum while their own people fight for scraps is so on brand."

Others, however, saw the gesture differently. @ghanaisnew wrote:

Read also

Cape Town man visits Spaza Shops at night, questions foreign owners on SA employment

"This is how Ghana welcomes everyone who is committed to helping the community. Note these are titles not necessarily related to royalties in the traditional leadership role. But a sign of dignity and respect for their community service."

@Studio_Beauty22 posed a broader question:

"Ghana really knows how to say thank you! But serious question: what exactly does being enstooled as a chief mean for a foreign national?"

Igbo King coronation fuels protests in SA

Previously, Briefly News reported on another 'coronation' that made international news. A Nigerian national's appointment as a senior Igbo community elder in KuGompo triggered violent protests that injured at least 13 people across the Eastern Cape Nigeria's. Deputy High Commissioner personally apologised outside the embassy in Pretoria to protesters who marched over the alleged royal coronation. Solomon Ogbonna Eziko says he remains a subject of King Sandile and takes full responsibility for the unrest that swept through South Africa.

Source: Briefly News