The Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom and Ireland has refuted claims that it has neglected the Ghanaian community amid the recent unrest across the UK.
In a statement, the High Commission asserted that despite the sporadic nature of the nationwide disturbances, it has remained vigilant, closely monitoring the situation, and keeping consistent communication with leaders of registered Ghanaian associations throughout the UK.
The Commission highlighted the proactive steps it has taken to ensure the safety of Ghanaians, including advising community leaders to caution their members against venturing into areas of unrest. They also provided real-time updates on the locations of riots in London and other cities, ensuring that Ghanaians could avoid these dangerous areas.
Moreover, the Commission has been working to verify reports of alleged attacks on Ghanaians, though ongoing investigations have not confirmed any harm to Ghanaian nationals.
“Among some measures which may not be fully disclosed for now, through these interactions, the Mission has requested the aforementioned leaders to communicate to their constituents the need to be cautious in their daily activities and to avoid areas where groups were gathering to protest.
“Indeed, while doing so, the Mission also shared locations of rioting both in London and across the UK with them and advised that our nationals remain vigilant in those towns and cities.
“The Mission additionally reached out to some of the leaders of the associations to assist it in verifying reports of Ghanaians who have allegedly been attacked. The ongoing checks are, however, yet to reveal that any Ghanaian has been harmed,” the High Commission stated.
The statement also assured all nationals, including those with dual citizenship, that the High Commission remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities under the Geneva Convention to protect civilians, and will continue to defend the lives of all Ghanaians and people of Ghanaian descent in the UK.
The fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in the seaside town of Southport, in the north of England, has been followed by the worst unrest the UK has seen in more than a decade.
The violence, in towns and cities across England and in Northern Ireland, has been fuelled by misinformation online, the far-right and anti-immigration sentiment.
Communities have responded with a series of rallies against the riots, with thousands gathering on Wednesday 7 August.