The Ghanaian government has condemned the killing of one of its citizens during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, urging authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and prosecute those responsible amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence.

In a statement issued Wednesday, July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received news of the death of Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, “with profound shock and sadness.” Mr. Isak was fatally shot on Monday, June 30, in Khayelitsha, a township near Cape Town, during demonstrations linked to attacks on 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 said. “The taking of any life is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.”

The ministry said Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, acting on government instructions, has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed an official complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the victim’s identity and notifying his family.
Accra is calling for a comprehensive, transparent and expedited investigation, while pressing South African authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those involved.

The Ghanaian government also urged South Africa to strengthen security for Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents living in communities affected by xenophobic violence.
“We also reiterate our call on the South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities,” the ministry said.

The killing comes amid renewed tensions over immigration in parts of South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence have targeted foreign nationals, including migrants from other African countries.

Source:TheDotNews