Government begins process to bring home Ghanaian killed in South Africa

The Government of Ghana has commenced arrangements to repatriate the body of a Ghanaian national who was shot dead during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, while intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure those responsible for the killing are brought to justice.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that preparations are underway to return the body of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial after he was fatally shot in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30 amid demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks.

The Ministry said it received news of the incident with "profound shock and sadness" and strongly condemned the killing, describing it as another disturbing example of the growing threat of xenophobic violence against African migrants 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 statement said.

It added that the taking of human life under such circumstances is unacceptable and called for immediate accountability.

The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay."

According to the Ministry, Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria has already initiated diplomatic and consular interventions following the incident.

Officials confirmed the identity of the deceased, informed his family, and lodged a formal protest with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

The High Commission has also filed an official complaint with the South African Police Service, urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the shooting.

The Ministry further disclosed that an autopsy had been carried out at the request of the Government of Ghana as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Ghana is demanding what it described as a "full, transparent and expedited investigation" that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.

The Ministry also urged South African authorities to strengthen security measures to protect Ghanaians and other foreign nationals residing in communities affected by anti-immigrant violence.

According to the statement, Ghana expects South Africa to uphold its international obligations by safeguarding the rights, dignity and security of all foreign nationals living within its borders.

Ghana expects South Africa, in line with its international obligations, to guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians."

The Ministry noted that Ghana has already petitioned the African Union Commission over repeated xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.

It expressed hope that the continental body would treat the matter with the urgency it deserves during its next statutory meeting.

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."

As preparations continue to repatriate Bashiru Isak's body, the Ministry extended its condolences to his bereaved family and assured them of government's support.

It also advised Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid areas experiencing unrest, and immediately contact the Ghana High Commission through its emergency lines whenever they face danger.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to using every available diplomatic, consular and multilateral channel to protect Ghanaian citizens abroad and to prevent future attacks on its nationals.