The government of Ghana has successfully repatriated veteran highlife musician Isaac Obeng Mensah, popularly known as Barosky, from the United Kingdom following weeks of mounting public concern over his welfare in Manchester.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the musician arrived safely in Ghana on the night of Monday, September 7, 2026, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fully sponsoring his return as part of its consular mandate .
Government Support and Reintegration Plans
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Minister Ablakwa announced that the government is providing comprehensive support to help Barosky rebuild his life upon his return.
“We are also providing psychosocial support and reintegration financial assistance,” the Minister stated .
Ablakwa expressed gratitude to the individuals who helped bring Barosky’s plight to national attention, noting that the intervention exemplified the government’s commitment to assisting Ghanaians in distress abroad.
“We are most grateful to our fellow citizens, particularly Nana Romeo, for bringing Barosky’s heart-wrenching plight in Manchester to our attention,” he said .
The Minister also commended Ghana’s High Commission in the UK for what he described as its “impressive coordination” throughout the repatriation process .
“We strive to leave no Ghanaian behind,” Ablakwa reaffirmed .
The Crisis That Sparked Intervention
The government’s action came after a distressing video of Barosky living on the streets of Manchester circulated widely on social media in late August 2026 .
In a tearful interview with media personality Nana Romeo on Okay FM, the veteran musician revealed his dire circumstances, describing how he had been sleeping on the streets without regular access to food or bathing facilities.
“I sleep on the street for now. I haven’t even bathed for some time now. People help me to feed,” Barosky disclosed during the emotional interview .
The musician also revealed that he had been out of touch with his family in Ghana and had no relatives in the UK to turn to for support .
“Ghanawe need to come together as a community to help him get back on his feet,” she said .
When asked whether he would prefer accommodation in the UK or a return to Ghana, Barosky was unequivocal: “I need a room, but if I had to choose between having a room and returning to Ghana, I would choose to come home. I want to return to Ghana. I don’t have any family here in the UK, just a few friends” .
High Commission Intervention
Following the public outcry, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson, personally travelled to Manchester to meet Barosky and assess his situation .
“When the video came out, a lot of people forwarded it to us. So I immediately instructed our consular office to reach out and see how we can resolve it,” Benson explained .
The High Commissioner emphasized that the mission was prepared to facilitate his return to Ghana should that be his preference, while also exploring options for community support if he chose to remain .
Benson stressed that Barosky’s situation should be met with compassion rather than judgment, noting that difficult circumstances can affect anyone regardless of their background.
“It can happen to anybody. So when it does, we shouldn’t be judgemental. We should rather lend a helping hand. That is what a good community does,” she said .
She also praised Barosky’s musical talent, stating: “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” .
A Career That Shaped Ghanaian Music
Barosky, born in Accra, rose to prominence through his distinctive contributions to two of Ghana’s most beloved highlife songs: Kofi Nti’s “Rakia” and Ofori Amponsah’s “Otoolege” .
Hailing from Ashanti Bekwai, the musician discovered his passion for music while attending Golden Six College, a technical school at Laterbiokorshie, where he served as the Assistant Entertainment Prefect .
He later trained as a sound engineer under renowned producer Appietus between 2002 and 2004, working as his assistant engineer before breaking into the music scene with his signature dancehall/raglife style .
His career continued to flourish as he collaborated with several prominent Ghanaian artistes, including K.K. Fosu and Sidney. In 2007, he released his 10-track album “Okyerewaa Ba,” which enjoyed considerable airplay across the country .
However, his journey was not without its challenges. A controversial disagreement with his former camp-mate Ofori Amponsah over alleged monies owed to him led to his departure from the camp and a move toward a solo career .
A Homecoming Marking a Fresh Chapter
Upon his arrival at the Accra International Airport, Barosky was received by government officials and a small group of family members . Footage captured at the airport showed the visibly fatigued musician navigating his return after the long journey from the UK, with those present noting he appeared tired but was being welcomed warmly .
The repatriation represents the culmination of a coordinated effort between the Foreign Ministry, the Ghana High Commission in the UK, members of the Ghanaian community in Manchester, and concerned citizens back home.
As Barosky begins the process of reintegration with psychosocial and financial support from the government, his case has renewed calls for greater recognition and support for veteran Ghanaian musicians whose contributions helped shape the country’s highlife tradition .
The government says the intervention reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Ghanaian nationals facing difficulties outside the country, with Ablakwa reaffirming: “We strive to leave no Ghanaian behind” .
