The Government of Ghana has condemned the murder of a Ghanaian citizen in South Africa amid anti-immigrant protests, labelling the act as a senseless display of violence and demanding the swift arrest and prosecution of those accountable.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the government expressed its “profound shock and sadness” regarding the fatal shooting of Mr. Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, 2026.
The statement indicated that Mr. Isak was killed during protests associated with ongoing xenophobic assaults against foreign nationals 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 taking of any life is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” the ministry asserted.
The statement revealed that, following the directives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has officially lodged Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Additionally, the High Commission has submitted a formal complaint to the South African Police Service after verifying the identity of the deceased and informing his family.
Ghana is thus demanding a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into the murder, insisting that South African authorities ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.
In addition to the investigation, the government has urged South African officials to enhance security measures for Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents who may be at risk of xenophobic violence.
“We also reiterate our call on the South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities”.
