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.
Death
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.
Diplomatic action
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 government’s request, an autopsy has also been performed on the body.
The MFA also demanded “a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.”
It has further called on South African authorities to provide enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities.
The Ministry reiterated government’s expectation that South Africa, “in line with its international obligations, will guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians.”
AU petition, repatriation
The statement reiterated that government had earlier transmitted a formal petition to the African Union Commission (AUC) on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.
The petition, it said, remains active and government expects the AU to treat the matter with urgency at its next statutory meeting.
The Ministry said plans were underway to repatriate the body of the late Mr Isak to the country for burial.
It 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.
