In the past few days, I have been following the comments under most posts on TikTok and Facebook as Anthony Tang (a young man of Chinese descent) represents Saint Thomas Aquinas School in this year’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ). Many of these comments, often written as jokes or attempts at comedy, carry subtle racial undertones.
I see under these posts how some people laugh, others join in for “fun,” but there is nothing funny about them. Names like “Kofi Galamsey”, “Foreign Material”, etc., are common under these posts of Anthony Tang.
The racist comments directed at this young man are not only cruel but deeply disappointing and nauseating.
Sadly, this is not the first time. Tang faced similar treatment last year when he contested, and it seems we have learned nothing from it.
Unfortunately, he is not the first to face this cruel treatment.
This was also the fate of Anjali Rathod, a young lady of Indian descent, when she represented Tamale Senior High School in the same contest and performed wondrously well.
These racial slurs and comments under the guise of content creation are becoming the “new norm” and must stop off pronto.
What surprises me most is the hypocrisy surrounding this whole issue.
Many of the same people typing hate and racist comments about Tang are the ones eagerly applying for visas to study or work abroad.
These are also the same individuals who will be the first to cry foul when they experience discrimination in foreign lands, yet they turn around and do the very same thing at home.
How can we demand respect in other countries when we fail to show it to others in ours?
Let’s face it, we, as Ghanaians, pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming country, which is valid to an extent.
However, our words and online behaviour as young people in this country often tell a different story. When a foreign student excels, instead of celebrating brilliance and hard work, some of us resort to insults and racial comments.
That is “un-Ghanaian” and contrary to the teachings of our culture as a people.
At best, this is insecurity disguised as pride.
We must do better. Just as we expect grace and fairness when we step into classrooms abroad, we must extend the same kindness to others who study in ours.
Respect should not depend on nationality or skin colour. It should reflect who we are as people.
Way forward
Let’s make our classrooms spaces of curiosity, not suspicion. All hands should be on deck.
Teachers, parents and mainstream media can play a vital role here by modelling respect and intervening when students face bias or mockery.
Content creators, social media platforms' role
In today’s world, I strongly opine that content creators have immense influence.
Ghanaian YouTubers, TikTokers, Instagram influencers, and even Facebook commentators shape how young people think and talk.
Their words travel farther than any newspaper headline.
That power must come with responsibility.
I wouldn’t want to mention names, but when influencers create content mocking someone’s accent, nationality, or looks, they normalise ridicule and bias. What begins as a
“funny skit” can reinforce harmful stereotypes. Instead of feeding that cycle, creators should use their platforms to challenge prejudice and promote understanding.
Highlight stories of collaboration between Ghanaian and foreign students.
Celebrate diversity in schools. Educate audiences that inclusion is not weakness, it’s wisdom.
Platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram must also enforce stricter community guidelines against hate speech and subtle xenophobia disguised as humour.
The algorithm rewards engagement, but engagement built on humiliation and mockery should never be the standard.
Creators who promote positivity deserve as much visibility and support as those who entertain.
We need to shift what we consider “viral.” A kind word, an inspiring story, or an act of solidarity should trend as much as gossip or ridicule.
When content creators use their platforms to teach empathy, they don’t just shape opinions; they shape the moral tone of an entire generation.
Why we must continue to be gracious as Ghanaians
Our graciousness towards foreign students and people of different skin colours like us says more about us than about them.
It reflects the moral fabric of our society.
In a globalised world, nations that practice inclusivity and kindness attract collaboration, investment and goodwill.
Ghana’s image abroad is tied to how we treat people within our borders.
More importantly, every act of kindness builds bridges.
A Chinese, Nigerian, or Lebanese student studying in Ghana today is a potential future diplomat, entrepreneur or policymaker.
The memory they carry of Ghana, whether bitter or beautiful, will influence how they engage with us in the years ahead.
We should not forget that no one chooses where to be born, but we can all choose how to treat others.
If we want Ghana to be respected internationally, that respect must reflect in our comments online.
The measure of a truly great nation is not its slogans or its ceremonies but how it treats those who are different.
He who calls for equity must come with clean hands.
Let’s choose kindness, not as a performance, but as a way of life.
It costs nothing, yet it defines everything about the kind of Ghana we want to build, one that is fair, welcoming and humane.
The writer is a PhD student,
Department of Sociology,
Virginia Tech (USA).
