Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, demanding swift justice for a killing it describes as a senseless act of violence.
The Ministry confirmed in a press statement that Mr. Bashiru Isak, 40, died in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30. He was shot during demonstrations tied to ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
Government officials said they received the news with profound shock and sadness, and condemned in the strongest terms both the killing and what they called the rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.
Diplomatic Response Underway
Acting on instructions from the Ministry, Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria has formally registered a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The mission has also filed a formal complaint with the South African Police Service.
These diplomatic steps followed the confirmation of Isak’s identity and notification of his family in Ghana. At the government’s request, an autopsy has since been carried out on his body.
Ghana is now pressing South African authorities for a full, transparent and expedited investigation that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The Ministry also renewed its call for enhanced protection for Ghanaian nationals living in communities affected by the unrest.
Officials stressed that South Africa, in line with its international obligations, must guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals within its borders, including Ghanaians caught up in the wave of xenophobic violence.
Petition to African Union Remains Active
The statement recalled that Ghana had already submitted a formal petition to the African Union Commission over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. The Ministry said that the petition remains active and expressed hope that the AU will treat the matter with urgency at its next statutory meeting.
The renewed diplomatic push places Isak’s killing within a broader pattern of violence that Ghana and other African nations have repeatedly raised with South African authorities and continental bodies in recent years.
Body to Be Repatriated
The Ministry disclosed that plans are underway to repatriate Isak’s body to Ghana so his family can give him a befitting burial. Officials extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family as they cope with the loss.
The government’s response reflects a broader effort to support grieving families of Ghanaians killed abroad while pursuing accountability through diplomatic channels.
Safety Advisory Issued to Ghanaians in South Africa
Beyond the immediate response to Isak’s death, the Ministry issued a safety advisory to Ghanaians currently living in South Africa. Citizens who choose not to take advantage of the government’s repatriation exercise were urged to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk areas as the demonstrations continue.
The Ministry provided emergency contact lines for citizens in danger, urging them to reach the High Commission in Pretoria around the clock through the numbers 0725145476, 0726143856, 0724153373, 0767718726 and 0719858042.
Officials said the advisory is meant to protect Ghanaians who remain in the country amid heightened tensions, giving them a direct channel to consular support if they face threats linked to the ongoing unrest.
Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Citizens Abroad
The Ministry closed its statement by reaffirming Ghana’s determination to protect its citizens living outside the country. It pledged to pursue all diplomatic, consular and multilateral avenues available to safeguard the lives and welfare of Ghanaians abroad and to prevent similar attacks from recurring.
The killing of Isak adds to growing concern among African governments over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, and Ghana’s response signals an intent to hold authorities accountable while strengthening protection measures for its nationals caught in the crisis.
As investigations begin in Cape Town, attention now turns to how quickly South African authorities act on Ghana’s demands, and whether the African Union addresses the matter with the urgency Accra is seeking at its next meeting.
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