The Government of Ghana has commenced arrangements to repatriate the remains of a Ghanaian citizen who was fatally shot during anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, while intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
In a statement released on July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that preparations were in progress to transport the body of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak back to Ghana for burial. Isak was killed in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30 amid demonstrations associated with ongoing xenophobic attacks.
The Ministry said it received news of the shooting “with profound shock and sadness” and strongly denounced the incident. “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.”
The Ministry indicated that Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria had formally protested the incident to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and also submitted a complaint to the South African Police Service after verifying the victim’s identity and notifying his relatives.
It further revealed that an autopsy had been carried out at the request of the Government of Ghana. Authorities are pressing for what the Ministry described as a “full, transparent and expedited investigation” to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those behind the killing. The Ministry also appealed to South African authorities to enhance security for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals residing in communities affected by the violence.
Additionally, the Ministry said Ghana had reaffirmed its expectation that South Africa, “in line with its international obligations, will guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians.”
The statement also noted that Ghana had previously submitted a petition to the African Union Commission regarding recurring 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.
As efforts continue to return Bashiru Isak’s remains to Ghana, the Ministry expressed its condolences to the bereaved family. It also advised Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain alert, avoid areas considered high-risk and seek assistance from the Ghana High Commission through its emergency contact lines whenever necessary.
The government emphasized that it would continue pursuing “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.”
