The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national, Mr. Bashiru Isak, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence and demanding that those responsible be brought to justice without delay.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 1, 2026, the Government said it received the tragic news of the fatal shooting of the 40-year-old Ghanaian in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, 2026, during demonstrations associated with ongoing xenophobic attacks.
The Ministry stated that Ghana condemns, in the strongest terms, the growing wave of xenophobic violence targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa, stressing that the taking of innocent lives is unacceptable.
According to the statement, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, acting on the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has formally lodged Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and subsequently filed a complaint with the South African Police Service.
The Ministry explained that these diplomatic steps were taken after confirming the identity of the deceased and notifying his family. It added that an autopsy has since been conducted on the body at the request of the Government of Ghana.
The Government is demanding a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the killing, leading to the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible. It also called on the South African authorities to strengthen security measures to ensure the safety and protection of Ghanaian nationals and other foreign citizens residing in affected communities.
The statement further noted that Ghana has reiterated its expectation that South Africa, in line with its international obligations, will uphold the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals living within its territory, including Ghanaians.
The Ministry also disclosed that Ghana has already submitted a formal petition to the African Union Commission over recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. According to the statement, the petition remains active and Ghana expects the African Union to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves at its next statutory meeting.
Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to repatriate the body of the late Mr. Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial in consultation with his family.
The Ministry expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the Government’s continued support during this difficult period.
Ghanaians currently living in South Africa who did not participate in the Government’s repatriation exercise have also been advised to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and immediately contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria through its 24-hour emergency lines whenever necessary.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all available diplomatic, consular and multilateral channels to safeguard the lives and welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad while working to prevent the recurrence of such attacks.
Source: Newspyramid.com
