Press Statement 10th August, 2011

Ghana High Commission – Riots in the UK

The Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom is concerned about recent developments in which youths are looting and engaging in violent acts in some parts England.

The incident which started last Thursday in Tottenham, North London, has spread to many parts of England and has largely been perpetrated in communities with large Ghanaian resident populations. This trend of events has the potential of affecting Ghanaian lives, families and businesses.

The High Commission would want to express its sympathies to any member of the Ghanaian community who would have suffered or been affected by the acts of looting and violence. We also wish to entreat the Ghanaian community to continue to be law abiding, keep safe and stay out of the disturbances. As much as possible, parents and families should endeavour to keep their children and members of their household away from the trouble spots and urge them to report any suspicion of danger to lives or property to the police authorities.

The High Commission is working closely with the community leaders, journalists and the police authorities to ensure that the Mission is kept up to date on any developments, especially those that have the potential to harm members of the Ghanaian community.

The Mission commits to act expeditiously to safeguard and protect the lives and property of members of the Ghanaian community should the ongoing disturbances affect them in any way. We therefore appeal to our compatriots to contact the Mission immediately should they fall victim to the riots or be in any form of imminent danger.

The Mission’s team can be contacted on the following telephone lines:

07717778955

07717778954

0207201 5921

Issued by: Information Section Ghana High Commission, London