Minister Ablakwa Announces Diaspora Consular Fund Following Repatriation of Musician Barosky and Evacuations from South Africa

The Ghanaian government, under Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has intensified its efforts to safeguard citizens abroad, marked by the successful repatriation of contemporary highlife musician Barosky from the United Kingdom. This intervention comes alongside a broader humanitarian crisis in South Africa, where nearly 2,000 Ghanaians have recently been evacuated following a surge in xenophobic violence. In response to these recurring challenges, the Ministry has announced the establishment of a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to provide a sustainable financial framework for emergency assistance and ensure the government can move quickly to "leave no Ghanaian behind."

Highlife musician Isaac Obeng Mensah, popularly known as Barosky, arrived safely in Ghana on September 7, 2026, after a distressing period of homelessness in Manchester. The government's intervention was triggered by viral social media footage showing the artist in a vulnerable state, which prompted widespread public concern and advocacy from media figures like Nana Romeo. Following a visit by Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson, the Foreign Ministry fully funded Barosky’s return. Minister Ablakwa confirmed that the state is now providing the musician with comprehensive psychosocial and financial support to facilitate his reintegration into Ghanaian society.

While Barosky’s return has been a focal point of recent consular activity, a more complex situation persists in South Africa, where hundreds of Ghanaians remain stranded. Although the government recently concluded a voluntary evacuation exercise that brought home 1,964 citizens, many others are pleading for a new evacuation window. Citizens like Margaret Amenuvegbe, who lived in South Africa for 14 years, report worsening living conditions, job losses, and the loss of homes due to renewed xenophobic attacks. Many who initially registered for evacuation were unable to complete the process due to overcrowding and inadequate temporary facilities, leaving them in a state of precariousness without valid work permits or safe housing.

To address the increasing frequency of such crises, Minister Ablakwa announced the upcoming launch of the Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund. This initiative aims to mobilize resources rapidly for Ghanaians facing emergencies overseas, moving beyond ad-hoc interventions toward a structured support system. Since the beginning of 2025, the government has repatriated a total of 4,972 citizens from various countries. The new fund is designed to ensure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can act swiftly to protect the welfare of the diaspora, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to the safety of all Ghanaians, regardless of their location.