Ghana Embassy seeks relatives of deceased Ghanaian found in Berlin

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a public appeal for information to help locate the relatives of a Ghanaian national whose lifeless body was found in an apartment in Berlin, Germany.

The deceased has been identified as Stephen Kofi Boamah, born on February 8, 1986, in Kumasi, Ghana . According to the Ministry, Mr. Boamah was known within the Ghanaian community in Berlin by the nickname “Gully” .

In a public announcement issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, the Ministry said it was seeking assistance from the public to trace his family in Ghana .

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public of the unfortunate death of a Ghanaian national, Stephen Kofi Boamah, born on 8th February 1986 in Kumasi, Ghana, whose lifeless body was found in an apartment in Berlin, Germany,” the statement said .

The Ministry did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding his death but emphasised that locating the family is important to enable the government to officially inform them about the death and assist with arrangements for the deceased’s remains .

“The information will assist the Ministry in notifying the deceased’s relatives and facilitating the necessary arrangements concerning his remains,” the statement added .

Appeal for Information

The Ministry has urged anyone who may have known Mr. Boamah, particularly members of the Ghanaian community in Berlin or persons with information about his family in Ghana, to come forward .

Persons with relevant information can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on +233 240 913 284 or +233 240 793 072, or via email at [email protected] . The Ghana Mission in Berlin can also be contacted on +49 (0) 30 547 149-0 or via email at [email protected] .

Ghanaian Community in Germany

Ghanaians in Germany form one of the largest sub-Saharan African diaspora communities in Western Europe, with official German statistics recording 42,080 individuals holding Ghanaian citizenship as of 2021 . Expert estimates place the total community size, including naturalised persons and descendants, at approximately 60,000 to 70,000 .

Migration began in the early 1950s when both West Germany and the German Democratic Republic recruited Ghanaian students as part of Cold War-era efforts to foster international alliances following Ghana’s independence in 1957 . The community is concentrated in major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne, where Ghanaians have established ethnic organisations, churches, and businesses that serve as social and cultural anchors .

Berlin is home to a significant Ghanaian population, with community members actively participating in transnational networks that maintain strong connections to Ghana through remittances and cultural events . The city also hosts Ghanaian-initiated churches and Afro-shops that have become central to community life .

Challenges Facing the Community

Despite their contributions, Ghanaian migrants in Germany face various challenges. Research indicates that many experience marginalisation and “social colouring,” with most struggling to find employment that matches their qualifications and being forced to take on work they would not accept in Ghana . Language barriers further devalue their skills and limit professional opportunities .

The asylum procedure, through which a large number of Ghanaians in Germany have gone, has also produced what researchers describe as “spoiled identities,” affecting their social standing and integration prospects .

The Ghanaian community in Berlin, as elsewhere in Germany, continues to serve as a vital support network for its members, particularly in times of crisis such as the death of a community member. The Ministry’s appeal underscores the importance of community ties in facilitating consular assistance and ensuring that the deceased receive proper arrangements in accordance with Ghanaian customs and traditions.