Xenophobic attacks: Suspend diplomatic ties with South Africa – Bentil to Gov’t 

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
IMANI Africa Vice President Kofi Bentil has called on the Government of Ghana to suspend diplomatic relations with South Africa, arguing that it is unreasonable to maintain friendly ties while Ghanaian nationals continue to face attacks and violence in the country.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points programme on July 4, 2026, Mr. Bentil said Ghana must take a firm stance against the growing wave of anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

He made this comment amid the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30, 2026, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic violence. The incident has sparked outrage in Ghana and renewed calls for stronger action to protect Ghanaians living abroad.

“If they do not arrest the killers and bring them to justice, then Ghana must seriously consider suspending diplomatic relations with South Africa,” he said.

According to him, Ghana should set a clear deadline for South African authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the recent killing of a Ghanaian national during the unrest. He maintained that diplomatic relations should be reconsidered if justice is not served within a reasonable period.

He stressed that friendship between nations must be based on mutual respect and the protection of citizens. He argued that Ghana cannot continue normal diplomatic engagements if its nationals are being attacked and killed without accountability.

“It makes no sense to maintain cordial relations when our citizens are being targeted and their lives are not adequately protected,” he added. “The government must send a strong signal that the lives of Ghanaians matter wherever they may be.”

The Government of Ghana has already condemned the killing and formally protested with South African authorities through the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also demanded a full and transparent investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible

The latest developments have intensified concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, where anti-immigrant protests and attacks have prompted hundreds of Ghanaians to return home in recent months.