The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national, Mr. Bashiru Isak, during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, describing the incident as a “senseless act of violence.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, July 1, the government said it received the reports with “profound shock and sadness” that the 40-year-old Ghanaian was fatally shot in Khayelitsha on Monday, June 30, during demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks.
“The Government of Ghana condemns, in the strongest terms, this 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 statement said.
According to the ministry, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, acting on its instructions, has formally lodged Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and informing his family.
The ministry disclosed that an autopsy has since been conducted on the body at the request of the Government of Ghana.
It said Ghana is demanding a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the incident, leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The government also urged the South African authorities to strengthen security for Ghanaian nationals living in affected communities.
“The Ministry, through its High Commission in Pretoria, has formally registered Ghana’s protest with the South African authorities and 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 added.
The ministry further recalled that Ghana has already submitted a petition to the African Union Commission over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa and expects the matter to be treated with urgency at the Commission’s next statutory meeting.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to repatriate Mr. Bashiru Isak’s body to Ghana for burial.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its condolences to the bereaved family and advised Ghanaians residing in South Africa who did not participate in the government’s repatriation exercise to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria through its emergency lines whenever they are in danger.
It reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to pursuing all diplomatic, consular and multilateral avenues to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to prevent similar attacks in the future.
