More than 900 Ghanaians have registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to be evacuated from South Africa following last week Monday’s violent anti-immigrant demonstration that left one Ghanaian national dead. The date for the evacuation is yet to be communicated by the government, though. This was stated by the High Commissioner of Ghana to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, in a separate interview.
Also, in a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) last Wednesday, the government condemned the fatal shooting of Bashiru Isak, 40, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town last Monday (June 30, 2026). The Ministry stated that the incident occurred during the anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks 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 statement said.
The MFA said the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria had, on its instructions, formally registered Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and subsequently filed a complaint with the South African Police Service. These actions followed the confirmation of the identity of the deceased and notification of the bereaved family. At the government’s request, an autopsy has also been performed on the body.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has called for a “full, transparent, and expedited investigation” that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for recent incidents. Additionally, the MFA urged South African authorities to enhance protection for all Ghanaian nationals living in affected communities. The ministry reiterated the government’s expectation that South Africa, in accordance with its international obligations, will ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians.
In relation to this issue, the statement noted that the government had previously submitted a formal petition to the African Union Commission (AUC) addressing xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. The petition is still active, and the government expects the AUC to prioritise this matter in its upcoming statutory meeting.
Furthermore, the Ministry announced that arrangements are being made to repatriate the body of the late Mr. Isak to Ghana for burial. The Ministry also extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
For Ghanaians in South Africa who have opted to remain, the Ministry advised them to “remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas,” and to contact the High Commission in an emergency on any of its 24-hour lines, including “0725145476, 0726143856, 0724153373, 0767718726, and 0719858042”. “Ghana will continue to pursue all diplomatic, consular, and multilateral avenues to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to ensure that such attacks are not repeated,” the MFA added.
Source: Pacome Emmanuel Damalie
