UK Protests: What we know so far

The ongoing anti-immigrant protests in the United Kingdom that have erupted in violent attacks have left some Ghanaians residing in the country stranded.

The protests initially started as a peaceful march to express outrage over the gruesome stabbing of three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop at a community center in Southport, England.

However, it quickly escalated into violent attacks, with some protestors targeting immigrants following widespread misinformation on social media.

GhanaWeb gives a breakdown of what we know so far:

Fears over safety

In the wake of this incident, Ghanaians living in the UK expressed fear for their safety, leaving them trapped at home and unable to go outside for fear of being attacked.

Kofi Marfo, a UK-based Ghanaian journalist with Rainbow Radio UK, expressed concern over the situation during an interview on Accra-based JoyNews.

"They said they're law-abiding migrants in this country. They do pay or honor their tax obligations and as a result, they don't see any reason why the actions of one individual committing a heinous criminal activity should affect everyone.

"As migrants and people with Ghanaian visas, we believe in peace and tranquility," he is quoted to have said.

"They hope this will not get out of hand and will not escalate to a different level," Marfo added.

What the High Commissioner said

Following fears allayed by Ghanaian residents in the UK, Ghana’s High Commissioner, Papa Owusu Ankomah, in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, assured that no Ghanaian has been affected by the protests.

He further disclosed that a directive has been issued to the Ghanaian community to stay indoors by 7pm.

“Except for one incident where a Ghanaian reported being threatened while taking a bus, there have been no reports of any untoward incidents affecting Ghanaians in the UK,” the High Commissioner stated.

“Even as of this morning, our officers are calling around the country, speaking with the leadership of the Ghanaian communities, asking for updates and urging them to encourage Ghanaians in the UK to try and be indoors by 7 pm,” he added.

However, the statement by Papa Owusu Ankomah regarding his communication with the leadership of the Ghanaian communities in the UK has been challenged by some individuals.

Rebuttal by Ghanaians in UK

According to the latest information posted on citinewsroom.com, aggrieved individuals have criticised the Ghanaian High Commission for failing to provide support and communication during the entire chaos, contrary to the claims made by the High Commissioner.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration ministry has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, leaving many Ghanaians in the UK feeling unprotected and uncertain.

MAG/OGB