Killing of a Ghanaian in South Africa; pursuit of justice non-negotiable – Ablakwa

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Ghanaians that the government will relentlessly pursue justice following the killing of a Ghanaian national during the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the fatal shooting of Mr. Bashiru Isak, 40, at Khayelitsha in Cape Town on Monday, June 30, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic violence.

The Government of Ghana condemned the killing in the strongest terms, describing it as a senseless act of violence and reiterating that the rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals in South Africa is unacceptable.

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

The Ministry disclosed that, acting on the instructions of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has formally lodged Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed an official complaint with the South African Police Service.

According to the Ministry, these actions were taken after the victim’s identity was confirmed and his family duly notified. An autopsy has also been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana.

Government is demanding a full, transparent and expedited investigation that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing.

The Ministry also called on the South African authorities to strengthen security measures to guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, living in the country.

It further revealed that Ghana’s petition to the African Union Commission (AUC) over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active and is expected to be considered at the Commission’s next statutory meeting.

Meanwhile, the Ministry announced that arrangements are underway to repatriate the body of the late Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial.

The Government extended its condolences to the bereaved family and advised Ghanaians who have chosen not to participate in the ongoing evacuation exercise from South Africa 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 pursuing all diplomatic, consular and multilateral avenues to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and ensure that such attacks do not recur.

“The pursuit of justice shall be non-negotiable,” the Ministry emphasized.