From Highlife Stardom to Homelessness: Barosky Reveals Struggles in Manchester, Appeals for Help to Return Home

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
August 24, 2026

Ghanaian musician Isaac Obeng Mensah, popularly known as Barosky, has opened up about the difficult circumstances he is currently facing in Manchester, United Kingdom, revealing that he is homeless, unemployed and struggling to meet his basic needs.

The musician, who became known to Ghanaian music lovers through collaborations with highlife stars including Ofori Amponsah and Kofi Nti, made the revelation during an emotional interview with media personality Nana Romeo.

Barosky said he is currently without accommodation and has been sleeping outdoors. He also disclosed that he sometimes depends on strangers for food and has gone without bathing because he does not have a place to stay.

“I want to return to Ghana”

Speaking about his current circumstances, Barosky appealed to individuals and organisations to assist him.

The musician said his immediate needs include accommodation, food and support to secure a flight ticket back to Ghana.

He explained that although having a place to sleep would help, his preference would be to return home because he has limited family support in the United Kingdom.

Barosky also revealed that he has lost regular contact with his family in Ghana and has only a few friends in the UK.

Struggling with basic necessities

Barosky’s account paints a troubling picture of life without stable accommodation.

He said he has been relying on the generosity of people who occasionally provide him with food.

The musician also disclosed that his lack of accommodation has made it difficult for him to maintain basic personal hygiene.

His situation has since generated concern among Ghanaians both at home and in the diaspora, particularly among people who remember his contributions to Ghana’s music industry during the height of his career.

A familiar voice in Ghana’s highlife scene

Barosky rose to prominence through collaborations with some of the biggest names in Ghanaian highlife and hiplife music in the early 2000s.

He became particularly recognised for his contributions to Kofi Nti’s “Rakia” and Ofori Amponsah’s “Otoolege.” He later pursued a solo career and released his debut album, Okyerewaa Ba, which was released in the mid-2000s.

His career also included work with other prominent Ghanaian musicians, including K.K. Fosu and Sidney.

Before fully pursuing music, Barosky trained as a sound engineer under renowned Ghanaian producer Appietus, gaining experience in music production before turning his attention increasingly towards performing.

Concerns over his wellbeing

Barosky’s circumstances have prompted wider conversations about the welfare of Ghanaian musicians and migrants who find themselves without stable income or support abroad.

There have also been claims circulating about possible substance use and mental-health difficulties. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and should therefore not be treated as established facts.

What is clear from Barosky’s own account is that he is currently experiencing severe hardship and is appealing for assistance.

A separate report quoting his UK caretaker, Naa, alleged that efforts had previously been made to secure accommodation and support for him. She also claimed that he had experienced difficulties while staying in different homes and that there were concerns about his wellbeing. Those allegations remain claims from the caretaker and have not been independently established.

Delay launches fundraising campaign

Amid the growing public concern, Ghanaian media personality and entrepreneur Deloris Frimpong Manso, popularly known as Delay, has reportedly launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Barosky.

The campaign is intended to provide financial assistance as efforts are made to improve his circumstances and help him regain stability. Reports indicate that the fundraiser has a target of approximately £5,500.

The fundraising effort comes after Nana Romeo’s encounter with Barosky in Manchester brought his situation to wider public attention.

A painful reminder of life after fame

Barosky’s story has resonated with many Ghanaians because of the contrast between his earlier visibility in Ghana’s music industry and his current circumstances.

His experience also highlights the vulnerability that can arise when migrants lose employment, housing and reliable social support in a foreign country.

For now, Barosky’s appeal is straightforward: he wants assistance to secure basic necessities and, ultimately, return to Ghana.

As concerns over his welfare grow, attention is increasingly turning towards what can be done to provide him with immediate support and ensure that any intervention addresses both his immediate needs and longer-term wellbeing.

GhanaianNewsCanada will continue to monitor developments surrounding Barosky’s situation and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.