Ghana Condemns Killing of National in South Africa Xenophobic Attacks, Demands Justice

The Government of Ghana has condemned the killing of 40-year-old Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak during anti-immigrant demonstrations in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received the reports of the fatal shooting “with profound shock and sadness” and denounced the “senseless act of violence and the rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.”

“The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” the Ministry said in a statement issued Tuesday.

Diplomatic Protest Filed
On instructions from Accra, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has formally registered Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service.

The Ministry confirmed that the identity of the deceased has been verified and his family notified. At Ghana’s request, an autopsy has already been performed on Isak’s body.

Ghana is demanding “a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.” The government also called on South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaians in affected communities.

“The Ministry has reiterated our expectation that South Africa, in line with its international obligations, will guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians,” the statement read.

AU Petition Still Active
The Ministry noted that Ghana had previously transmitted a petition to the African Union Commission on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. “Our formal petition remains active and we expect the AU to treat the matter with the urgency it demands at its next statutory meeting,” it said.

Repatriation and Safety Advisory
Plans are underway to repatriate the body of the late Bashiru Isak to his family in Ghana for burial.

Meanwhile, the Ministry advised Ghanaians in South Africa who did not take part in the government’s earlier repatriation exercise to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and contact the High Commission on its 24-hour emergency lines when in danger: *0725145476, 0726143856, 0724153373, 0767718726, 0719858042*.

The Ministry extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to continue pursuing “all diplomatic, consular, and multilateral avenues to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to ensure that such attacks are not repeated.”