Ghana’s Foreign Ministry Confirms Killing of Ghanaian in South Africa, Demands Justice
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, 2026, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
It identified the victim as 40-year-old Bashiru Isak.
In a statement, the government of Ghana condemned the act as ‘senseless’ and demanded justice.
“The taking of any life is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” it added.
On the instructions of the Ministry, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has formally registered Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service.
The actions followed confirmation of the deceased’s identity and notification of his bereaved family.
At Ghana’s request, an autopsy has since been performed on the body. Ghana is demanding “a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.”
The government has also called on South African authorities to provide “enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities.”
The Ministry said it has reiterated to Pretoria 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 Ministry noted that Ghana had earlier transmitted a petition on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa to the African Union Commission.
“Our formal petition… remains active and we expect the AU to treat the matter with the urgency it demands at its next statutory meeting,” the statement said.
Arrangements are being made to repatriate Mr Isak’s body to Ghana for burial.
“The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” it stated.
Ghanaians in South Africa who did not take part in the government’s repatriation exercise have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and contact the High Commission in an emergency on: 0725145476 / 0726143856 / 0724153373 / 0767718726 / 0719858042.
“Ghana will 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,” the Ministry said.
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