Ghana Condemns Killing of Citizen in South Africa, Demands Immediate Justice

The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence fuelled by xenophobia and calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said it received with “profound shock and sadness” reports of the fatal shooting of  Mr Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, 2026.

According to the ministry, Mr Isak was shot during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa.

“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.

Ghana lodges formal protest

The Ministry disclosed that the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has officially lodged a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation over the incident.

It said the High Commission also filed a formal complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and notifying his family in Ghana.

The ministry added that an autopsy has been conducted on the body of the deceased at the request of the Government of Ghana.

Call for expedited investigation.

The government is demanding a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the killing, urging South African authorities to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

It also called on the South African government to strengthen security measures for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in communities affected by the recent wave of xenophobic violence.

According to the Ministry, Ghana expects South Africa to fulfil its international obligations by guaranteeing the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals residing within its borders.

Petition before African Union

The statement recalled that Ghana had already submitted a petition to the African Union Commission (AUC) over recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.

The ministry noted that the petition remains active and expressed hope that the African Union will give the matter urgent attention during its next statutory meeting.

Repatriation plans underway

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that arrangements are currently underway to repatriate the body of Mr Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial.

It also extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them of the government’s support during this difficult period.

Safety advisory to Ghanaians

The government advised Ghanaians who remain in South Africa, especially those who chose not to participate in the government’s earlier repatriation exercise, to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission through its 24-hour emergency lines whenever they are in danger.

The Ministry reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to using all diplomatic, consular and multilateral channels to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to ensure that xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals do not recur.