The United Kingdom is grappling with a surge in anti-immigration protests, which have turned increasingly violent, leaving scores of Ghanaians and other minority groups petrified.
The protests, sparked by the gruesome murder of three children in Scotland has further escalated into a nationwide crisis, with 38 cities targeted for demonstrations tomorrow.
Kofi Marfo a Ghanaian Journalist based in London, described the situation as “chaotic” and “catastrophic.” Ghanaians are ever willing to defend themselves, their families, and their properties,” he said.
Kofi made remarks on the fact that Ghanaians are law-abiding citizens yet they we will not sit down for people to infringe on their rights.
Mr. Kofi Marfo highlighted that, the English Defense League, a far-right organization, has been linked to the protests, which have resulted in violent clashes with police and minority groups.
Kofi Marfo pointed out that the protestants are specific about targeting Muslims, blacks, and ethnic minorities, this he described to be a ‘racial war, against Blacks. As a result, blacks especially Ghanaians in the UK are caught in the middle.
“The demonstration is actually reached a different level altogether where police are struggling to combat the perpetrators’. As it stance, their story, their main objective is for the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain under the leadership of Keir Starmer to put a hold on immigration, migrants traveling to this country. And also not to pamper other people of ethnic minority and also some people who have got radical religious beliefs. They are being specific [about] [Muslim.”
Kofi Marfo Ghanaian -UK based Journalist
Meanwhile, The UK government has assured citizens that the military will be deployed to augment police forces and maintain order.
However, Kofi expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to contain the situation. “If they don’t expedite action, facilitate 1 or 2 things, then there will be serious chaos and mayhem,” he warned.
Ghanaians Afraid to Leave Their Homes
Currently, Ghanaians in the UK are living in fear, with many too afraid to leave their homes. Kofi revealed that some parents have told him they are not going to allow their children to go to the playground or socialize because they don’t know where the next attack will be coming from.
He highlighted that the situation has also led to reports of casualties, including a black man who was subjected to serial beatings by a group of white individuals in Manchester, adding that the situation has created fear in the lives of Ghanaians in the diaspora.
” I managed to visit southern parts of London where I joined some Ghanaians there. And I had a candid conversation with them, asking them their thoughts about whatever [that] is happening. They said they are law abiding citizens of this country or they are law abiding migrants in this country. They do pay or honor their tax obligations. They don’t see any reason why, one out of the millions as a result of someone committing a heinous criminal activity must affect each and every one.”
Kofi Marfo Ghanaian -UK based Journalist
Meanwhile, the police tried to restore peace, however the police has taken sides and it’s depicted that if one is not a white the police are desperate to hurt you. Kofi Marfo asserted that one could see that the Police are eager, desperate to hurt anybody who is not white.
He mentioned that even though Ghanaians are known for their tranquility and peaceful coexistence, they are all looking up to the security and the government to restore sanity else Ghanaians would have to take the law into their own hands.
“We all looking up to the law, and forces. We all looking up to the prime minister. We’re all looking up to our security apparatus and personnel. And if they actually intercede or come in at appropriate time, then obviously, I can, see that there will be peace once again restored. But if they sit out like basically an unconcern, then we will have no choice. We’ll have no option than to take the law into our own hands.”
Kofi Marfo Ghanaian -UK based Journalist
Despite the government’s assurances, Kofi believes that the situation may escalate into a “clash of the titans.
Mr. Kofi Marfo mentioned that Ghanaians are willing to meet them eye-to-eye, cheek-to-cheek, and defend their families, if it will even go to the extent of jeopardizing their own lives, they are willing to do that.
As the situation continues to unfold, Ghanaians in the UK remain on edge, hoping that the government will take decisive action to restore peace and tranquility.
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