The recent anti-immigrant protests that have turned violent in a number of British cities have Ghanaians residing in the UK expressing fear and cause for concern.
Attacks against mosques, hotels that house immigrants, and people of colour have been the consequence of the protests, which have been stoked by false information found online.
Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, and other towns have seen rioting as a result of the turmoil that erupted after three young girls were tragically killed in Southport, England.
Attacks on ethnic minorities on the streets have been documented, as have confrontations between far-right organisations and riot police.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned rioters that they will face lengthy jail terms as he seeks to stamp out the worst outbreak of violence in Britain in 13 years.
“There are attacks happening in our hotels in Rotherham. Marauding gang intent on law breaking or worse, windows smashed, fire set ablaze. Residents and staff are in absolute fear. There’s no justification for taking action.”
Ghanaians living in the UK have been using social media to vent their fears and anxieties. Some have even criticised the Ghanaian High Commission for not being more communicative or supportive during this crisis.
Many Ghanaians living in the UK are feeling uneasy and unsafe as a result of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regional Integration’s failure to provide a formal statement on the subject.