Omanghana
Ghanaian musician and entrepreneur Mzbel has cautioned veteran highlife singer Isaac Obeng Mensah, popularly known as Barosky, against returning to Ghana without stable employment, accommodation or financial support.
Mzbel, whose real name is Belinda Ekua Amoah, made the comments during an appearance on UTV’s United Showbiz. The discussion followed viral videos showing Barosky experiencing homelessness and severe hardship on the streets of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
While some members of the public have called for the musician’s immediate return to Ghana, Mzbel argued that repatriation alone would not solve his problems.
“What is he coming to do in Ghana? Unless he has a family or a job waiting for him, he would be super homeless when he comes to Ghana,” she said.
According to Mzbel, relocating him without a sustainable support system could merely transfer his hardship from the United Kingdom to Ghana. She maintained that the cost of living and limited welfare support available at home could make his situation even more difficult.
The singer also expressed concern about the decision to share Barosky’s condition publicly on social media. She said industry colleagues and relevant institutions should have coordinated a private intervention to protect his dignity.
Mzbel suggested that the Ghana High Commission in the UK should explore opportunities to help Barosky secure employment instead of concentrating solely on returning him home.
She proposed that the mission could engage him for cultural programs and other events where his musical experience would be valuable.
“Barosky shouldn’t come to Ghana. They should get him a job abroad so that it can sustain him for now,” she stated.
Mzbel also used the musician’s situation to warn entertainers about the need for long-term financial planning.
She said fame and success in the creative industry do not automatically guarantee financial security, particularly after an artiste’s popularity declines.
“No matter how much money you make or how far you go, if you don’t invest well, by the time you grow old, your life could be miserable,” she cautioned.
Barosky rose to prominence in the mid-2000s through collaborations with highlife musicians Ofori Amponsah and Kofi Nti. He contributed to popular songs including Otoolege and Rakia.
His condition attracted national attention after footage emerged showing him sleeping rough in the UK.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, subsequently travelled to Manchester to meet the musician and pledged diplomatic assistance to help him stabilize his life or return to Ghana.
Mzbel’s comments have reignited discussions about the welfare of veteran entertainers and the need for stronger financial and social-support systems within Ghana’s creative industry.
Source: Omanghana
