Gov’t condemns killing of citizen in South Africa, demands justice

The Government of Ghana has condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa, demanding justice and stronger protection for its citizens.

The statement was signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and issued on July 1, 2026, following the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak during anti-immigrant demonstrations in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

The Ministry said it received reports of the incident with “profound shock and sadness,” describing the killing as a senseless act of violence linked to a growing wave of xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals in South Africa.

Yesterday, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa confirmed to local media that a Ghanaian had lost his life amid rising anti-immigration sentiments in the country, paving the way for the government’s formal response.

“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 statement said.

It added, “The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.”

According to the Ministry, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has officially 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 victim’s identity and informing his family.

An autopsy has also been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana.

The government called on South African authorities to undertake “a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.”

It also urged authorities to strengthen security measures for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in communities affected by the unrest.

Beyond bilateral engagement, Ghana indicated that it has already submitted a petition to the African Union Commission over repeated xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.

“Our formal petition on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active and we expect the AU to treat the matter with the urgency it demands at its next statutory meeting,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, the Ministry said arrangements are underway to repatriate Bashiru Isak’s body to Ghana for burial. It also advised Ghanaians who remained in South Africa after earlier government repatriation exercises to stay vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission’s emergency lines whenever necessary.

The government added that it would continue pursuing diplomatic, consular and multilateral efforts to safeguard the lives and welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.