Gov’t calls for justice after Ghanaian national killed in South Africa

The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa during anti-immigrant demonstrations, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence and calling for those responsible to be swiftly brought to justice.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had received with “profound shock and sadness” news of the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, 2026.

According to the ministry, Isak was killed during demonstrations linked to ongoing attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of 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 taking of any life is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” the ministry stated.

The statement said that, on the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria had formally lodged a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation over the incident.

It added that the High Commission had also submitted an official complaint to the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and notifying his family.

The Government of Ghana is calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the killing and is urging South African authorities to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.

The ministry also called on the South African government to strengthen security measures for Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents who may be at risk of violence.

“We also reiterate our call on the South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities.”