The Government of Ghana has intensified diplomatic efforts following the killing of a Ghanaian national during xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging the African Union (AU) to urgently consider its long-standing petition on violence against African migrants.
In a statement issued on July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it expects the African Union Commission (AUC) to treat Ghana’s petition on xenophobic attacks “with the urgency it demands” at its next statutory meeting.
The renewed appeal follows the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30 during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic violence.
The Ministry said it received news of the incident with “profound shock and sadness” and condemned what it described as the escalating wave of attacks targeting African 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 statement said.
It added that “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, acting on government instructions, has formally lodged a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and notifying his family.
The Ministry also disclosed that an autopsy had already been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana.
Government is demanding a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the incident, leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
It further renewed its call on the South African authorities to strengthen security for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in communities affected by the attacks.
The statement noted that Ghana’s High Commission has reminded the South African government of its international obligation to protect the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals within its territory.
The Ministry also emphasised that Ghana’s petition to the African Union Commission over repeated xenophobic attacks remains active.
“It would be recalled that Ghana has already transmitted a petition to the African Union Commission (AUC). 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,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the government said arrangements are underway to repatriate the body of Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial.
The Ministry also advised Ghanaians who remain in South Africa after declining an earlier government-assisted repatriation programme to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and immediately contact Ghana’s High Commission through its emergency channels if they require assistance.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing all available diplomatic, consular and multilateral measures to safeguard the lives and welfare of Ghanaians abroad and prevent similar attacks in the future.
