The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian national, Mr. Bashiru Isak, during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence and demanding a swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the government said it had received “with profound shock and sadness” reports that Mr. Isak, 40, was shot dead 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 Ministry said.
The Ministry disclosed that, on its instructions, Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria had formally lodged a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and notifying his family.
It added that an autopsy had already been conducted on Mr. Isak’s body at the request of the Government of Ghana.
The government is demanding “a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators” and has urged South African authorities to strengthen security for Ghanaians living in communities affected by the xenophobic violence.
The Ministry further stressed that South Africa has an international obligation to guarantee “the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians.”
The statement recalled that Ghana had already submitted a formal petition to the African Union Commission over 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 Ministry stated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry said arrangements were underway to repatriate the body of the late Mr. Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial.
It also extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
The Ministry advised Ghanaians who remain in South Africa and did not participate in previous government repatriation exercises to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission’s emergency lines whenever they are in danger.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens abroad, the government said it would continue to pursue “all diplomatic, consular, and multilateral avenues to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to ensure that such attacks are not repeated.”
