Four Ghanaians have died in connection with the difficult circumstances surrounding the latest wave of xenophobic attacks and intimidation in South Africa, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
The deceased are Bashiru Issahaq, Kwadwo Antwi, Amoonu Jailor Nash and Ebenezer Ayi Tawiah.
Ablakwa disclosed the deaths while providing an account of the government’s response to the attacks during a media briefing on Monday, September 7.
Bashiru Issahaq, a 44-year-old father of three, was reportedly killed on June 30 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, after violent anti-immigrant demonstrators attacked him.
His identity was initially disputed by South African authorities but was later confirmed following pressure from the Ghanaian side.
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria subsequently lodged a formal protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service.
The Ghanaian government has demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Government has consistently maintained that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Issahaq’s death must be established through a full, transparent and expeditious investigation and would therefore continue to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this gruesome murder.”
Kwadwo Antwi was murdered in Prieska in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province on July 18, while Amoonu Jailor Nash was murdered in East London by unknown assailants on April 3.
The government said investigations into both cases were ongoing.
In a fourth case, Ebenezer Ayi Tawiah, who was reportedly unable to access medical care because of harassment by South African vigilantes, died on arrival at the Accra International Airport on August 17.
The Ministry arranged for his remains to be transferred to the Police Hospital in Accra for an autopsy.
Ablakwa expressed condolences to the families of all four deceased Ghanaians.
“The Government will continue to engage the South African Government to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.”
The deaths occurred against the backdrop of renewed anti-foreigner activity in South Africa, particularly in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Ghana said vigilante groups such as “March and March” and “Operation Dudula” had targeted African nationals amid growing anti-immigration sentiment.
The government responded through diplomatic protests, engagements with South African authorities and the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from the country between May 27 and September 4.
