The government has repatriated veteran Ghanaian musician Isaac Obeng Mensah, popularly known as Barosky, from the United Kingdom following growing concerns over his welfare and the circulation of distressing videos of him on social media.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the musician arrived safely in Ghana on Monday night.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fully financed Barosky’s return as part of its consular responsibility to assist Ghanaians who find themselves in difficult circumstances abroad.
Beyond facilitating his return, the government is providing psychosocial and financial support to help the veteran musician settle back into society and begin the process of rebuilding his life.
“We are most grateful to our fellow citizens, particularly Nana Romeo, for bringing Barosky’s heart-wrenching plight in Manchester to our attention,” Mr Ablakwa said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
He also praised officials at the Ghana High Commission in the UK for what he described as their “impressive coordination” in responding to the situation and facilitating the government’s intervention.
High Commission steps in
The intervention followed a visit to Manchester by Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson, after the mission received several messages raising concerns about Barosky’s condition.
During the visit, Mrs Benson met with the musician and members of the Ghanaian community to assess the situation and explore ways of supporting him.
She said the High Commission was ready to facilitate Barosky’s return to Ghana should he choose to come home.
“Barosky has contributed immensely to Ghanaian music, and we all need to come together as a community to help him get back on his feet,” she said.
The government has subsequently reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghanaian citizens who encounter difficulties while living abroad.
Mr Ablakwa said the latest intervention was consistent with the government’s broader commitment to ensuring that vulnerable Ghanaians are not abandoned in times of distress.
“We strive to leave no Ghanaian behind,” he said.
Public concern triggers intervention
The government’s action follows growing public concern over Barosky’s welfare after videos showing the musician in Manchester circulated widely on social media.
The videos sparked discussions about his condition and prompted calls for authorities and the Ghanaian community in the UK to intervene.
Barosky, a veteran of the Ghanaian music scene, has now returned home, with the government providing financial and psychosocial assistance as he begins the process of reintegration.