The Government of Ghana has condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received with "profound shock and sadness" reports of the fatal shooting of Mr. Bashiru Isak, 40, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30, 2026, 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.
The Ministry disclosed that the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria 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 victim's identity and notifying his family.
It added that an autopsy has already been conducted on the deceased at the request of the Government of Ghana.
The government is demanding a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the killing and has urged South African authorities to strengthen protection for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in affected communities.
The Ministry also noted that Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union Commission over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa and expects the matter to receive urgent attention at the Commission's next statutory meeting.
Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to repatriate the body of Mr. Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial.
The Ministry extended its condolences to the bereaved family and advised Ghanaians who remain in South Africa and have chosen not to join the government's repatriation exercise to stay vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission through its 24-hour emergency lines if they require assistance.
It reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to pursuing diplomatic, consular and multilateral efforts to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to prevent similar attacks in the future.
