Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, H.E. Sabah Zita Benson, has personally intervened in the case of Ghanaian musician Isaac Obeng Mensah, popularly known as **Barosky**, after the once-popular artiste found himself homeless and struggling to survive in Manchester.
The intervention follows an emotional appeal by the musician for assistance to return to Ghana after reportedly falling on hard times and losing contact with his family back home.
In an interview with Okay FM’s Nana Romeo on August 23, 2026, which has since gone viral, Barosky disclosed that he had been sleeping on the streets and relying on the generosity of strangers for food and other basic necessities.
“I sleep on the street for now. I haven’t even bathed for some time now. People help me to feed,” he said.
Barosky explained that he has no family in the United Kingdom and has lost touch with his relatives in Ghana, leaving him dependent on members of the public for support.
According to the musician, his immediate concern is not to secure permanent accommodation in the UK but to obtain a plane ticket to enable him to return to Ghana and reconnect with his family.
He also disclosed that his passport was reportedly in the custody of the police, making his situation more difficult. He said he had been unable to retrieve the document because he did not have a fixed address to provide.
Following the circulation of the interview, members of the Ghanaian community in Manchester began reaching out to the musician.
Ghanaian performer Stajay, based in Manchester, confirmed that he had temporarily taken Barosky into his home, offering him a place to stay while efforts were being made to find a more lasting solution to his situation.
A caretaker within the community also raised concerns about possible underlying mental health challenges affecting the musician, further highlighting the need for coordinated support and intervention.
The situation subsequently attracted the attention of Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the UK.
High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson disclosed that she personally travelled to Manchester to meet Barosky and engage leaders of the Ghanaian community on ways to address his difficulties.
“I drove to Manchester to meet Barosky, our Ghanaian brother and musician who has found himself in hard times. I met with him and leaders of the community to discuss ways of resolving his issues,” she said.
The High Commissioner’s intervention has provided renewed hope for the musician, particularly as he has expressed a strong desire to return to Ghana.
The Ghana High Commission has assured Barosky of its readiness to facilitate his safe return and reunification with his family in Ghana. The musician has reportedly accepted the offer.
The Commission has also appealed to Ghanaians and community members in the United Kingdom to support the efforts to help Barosky regain stability and get back on his feet.
Barosky’s current circumstances stand in sharp contrast to his contribution to Ghana’s music industry, particularly during the early 2000s.
He gained recognition for his distinctive ragga and dancehall style and became known to music lovers through notable collaborations with established Ghanaian artistes.
Among his most memorable appearances is his collaboration on Ofori Amponsah’s hit song “Otoolege”, as well as his work on Kofi Nti’s “Rakia.”
Barosky also worked with artistes including K.K. Fosu and Sidney, establishing himself as a recognised figure within Ghana’s contemporary music scene at the time.
Before pursuing his career as a recording artiste, Barosky trained as a sound engineer under renowned Ghanaian music producer Appietus between 2002 and 2004.
He subsequently worked as an assistant engineer before embarking on his own recording career.
In 2006, he released his 10-track debut solo album, Okyerewaa Ba, further cementing his place in Ghana’s music industry.
His journey from a recognised musician and sound engineer to homelessness in Manchester has generated concern among Ghanaians, with many calling for compassion and support for the artiste.
The intervention by the Ghana High Commission, together with the support of members of the Ghanaian community in Manchester, is expected to pave the way for Barosky’s return to Ghana and possible reunification with his family.
For a musician whose career once placed him in the spotlight, the immediate priority now appears to be a safe journey home and access to the support needed to rebuild his life.
Story by Bright Dzaka
