The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, Mr. Bashiru Isak, during anti-immigrant demonstrations in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 30, is linked to a rising tide of xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals in South Africa.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, the government expressed profound shock and sadness over the tragedy. Ghana has since demanded immediate accountability and systemic changes from South African leadership to prevent further violence against foreign nationals.
“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 Ministry stated.
“The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.”
Following confirmation of the victim’s identity and notification of his family, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria formally registered a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
A formal complaint was also filed with the South African Police Service, and an autopsy has been performed at the request of Ghanaian authorities.
The Ministry emphasised its expectation that South Africa uphold its international obligations to guarantee the safety, dignity, and rights of all foreign nationals within its borders.
Additionally, Ghana has reminded the international community that its active petition regarding xenophobic attacks remains before the African Union Commission, with expectations that the continental body will address the matter urgently at its next statutory meeting.
While the Ministry makes arrangements to repatriate Mr. Isak’s body to Ghana for burial, it has issued a safety advisory to citizens remaining in South Africa.
Ghanaians who chose not to participate in the government’s repatriation exercises are advised to stay vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and utilize the High Commission’s 24-hour emergency lines if they encounter danger.
The government reiterated its commitment to pursuing all diplomatic and multilateral avenues to protect the welfare of its citizens abroad.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
