The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Ghana in Worcester, Massachusetts, led by Consular Ken Asafo-Adjei, has launched a massive and intensive Immigration Awareness campaign aimed at educating and protecting Ghanaian immigrants.
This initiative comes in response to heightened fear and uncertainty among Ghanaians in the USA due to increasingly stringent immigration policies.
The campaign seeks to provide the Ghanaian community with crucial information and resources to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.
According to Consular Ken Asafo-Adjei, this is a long-term initiative designed to support Ghanaian immigrants. The campaign commenced over the weekend in several Ghanaian churches and is set to continue in the coming weeks.
The first phase of the initiative took place in churches, including the New England Ghanaian Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Christian Praise International Centre, and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Mount Zion Congregation. Plans are also underway to engage Ghanaian business communities in the diaspora, as well as other interest groups.
The programme was attended by Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Congressman Jim McGovern, both of whom assured their full support for Ghanaian immigrants facing uncertainty.
Standing Up Against Fear and Intimidation
Addressing the congregation, Mayor Joseph M. Petty emphasized Worcester’s commitment to protecting its immigrant residents amid growing concerns over federal immigration policies.
“I am proud to represent the people of Worcester, including our vibrant immigrant communities,” said Mayor Petty. “Here in Worcester, we do not cooperate with ICE unless a criminal or civil warrant is signed by a federal judge. Our public schools and local police will not enforce immigration laws to ensure families feel safe and supported.”
He went on to condemn the fear tactics employed by former President Donald Trump’s administration and reassured residents that the city would remain a safe haven for immigrants.
“This is your city, your state, and your country. We have your back, and we will do everything to ensure you are safe and comfortable here,” he affirmed.
Congressman Jim McGovern, representing Massachusetts’ Second District, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, underscoring the vital contributions of immigrants to America’s strength and diversity.
“We are blessed by the Ghanaian community here in Worcester and by immigrants across this country,” McGovern declared. “Diversity is our strength, not our weakness. It is offensive to hear anyone, especially in Washington, suggest otherwise.”
McGovern criticized policies that demonize immigrants and reassured attendees that constitutional protections remain in place. He also denounced recent rhetoric suggesting that individuals born in the U.S. could lose their citizenship, emphasizing that such claims defy constitutional law.
“Immigrants built America,” McGovern stated. “They make our country stronger—economically, culturally, and morally. We must continue to protect their rights and ensure that no one has to live in fear.”
He added, “My office is inundated with phone calls from people concerned about how the new administration’s policies may affect them and their families. We are blessed by the Ghanaian community here in Worcester. I’m grateful for all that you do for the city, the state, and this country.
“The Mayor said this, and I will say it again, we have your back! We are here to work with you to ensure that no illegal actions are taken against you. Immigrants are a source of pride and strength for our country. America is known for its diversity, that’s our strength, not our weakness. It is deeply offensive to hear people in Washington claim otherwise.”
He went on to condemn Trump’s tactics of demonizing immigrants, calling them highly offensive. He reiterated that both the Mayor’s office and his office stand ready to assist the Ghanaian community in Worcester in any way possible.
Supporting Immigrant Rights:
The Mayor and Congressman outlined several initiatives to support immigrants in Worcester, including the distribution of “Know Your Rights” materials to educate individuals on how to assert their rights if approached by immigration officials.
They also emphasized that the Worcester Police Department would not enforce federal immigration laws or participate in raids unless criminal activity was involved.
A Commitment to Justice and Equality
The Congressman pledged to stand by immigrant communities in the face of divisive policies.
“We want a country where everyone—regardless of who they are, what they look like, or where they come from—is respected and included,” said McGovern. “America was built by immigrants, and they continue to make us stronger and more American.”
As the city faces challenging times, its leaders’ unwavering commitment to justice and equality offers reassurance to its diverse population. The message was clear: Worcester stands with its immigrants, and together, the city will continue to thrive.
KA