Four Ghanaians killed during South Africa xenophobic attacks – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that four Ghanaians have died in connection with the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, intimidation and harassment in South Africa.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, September 7, Ablakwa said the deaths formed part of the government’s concerns over the safety of Ghanaians and other African nationals in the country.

His comments follow renewed anti-foreigner attacks in South Africa, particularly in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which have heightened concerns over the safety of African migrants.

The four deceased have been identified as Bashiru Issahaq, Kwadwo Antwi, Amoonu Jailor Nash and Ebenezer Ayi Tawiah.

According to blakwa, Bashiru Issahaq, a 44-year-old father of three, was killed on June 30 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, after violent anti-immigrant demonstrators attacked him.

His identity was initially disputed by South African authorities but was later confirmed following pressure from the Ghanaian government.

The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria subsequently lodged a formal protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service.

“Government has consistently maintained that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Issahaq’s death must be established through a full, transparent and expeditious investigation and would therefore continue to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this gruesome murder.”

Ablakwa said Kwadwo Antwi was murdered in Prieska in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province on July 18, while Amoonu Jailor Nash was murdered by unknown assailants in East London on April 3.

He said investigations into both cases were ongoing.

In the fourth case, Ebenezer Ayi Tawiah reportedly died on arrival at the Accra International Airport on August 17 after allegedly being unable to access medical care due to harassment by South African vigilantes.

The Ministry subsequently arranged for his remains to be transferred to the Police Hospital in Accra for an autopsy.

Ablakwa expressed condolences to the families of the four deceased Ghanaians and pledged continued government engagement with South African authorities.

“The Government will continue to engage the South African Government to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.”

The development comes as Ghana continues its response to the attacks, including diplomatic engagements and the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa between May 27 and September 4.

The government has also raised concerns about vigilante groups, including “March and March” and “Operation Dudula”, which Ghana says have targeted African nationals amid growing anti-immigration sentiment.