By James Amoh Junior
Accra, Sept. 7, GNA -Four Ghanaians were killed in South Africa between April and July 2026 amid renewed xenophobic attacks against African nationals.
The deaths occurred in different parts of the country as anti-foreigner sentiments intensified, prompting Ghana to pursue diplomatic and legal measures and evacuate vulnerable nationals.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this at a media briefing in Accra on Monday on the Government’s response to the attacks and the conclusion of the evacuation exercise.
He said recurring xenophobic violence against African nationals, including Ghanaians, had become a major concern to the Government, particularly following a resurgence of anti-foreigner sentiment since April 2026.
The Minister attributed the attacks to activities of vigilante groups known as “March and March” and “Operation Dudula”, whose campaigns, initially presented as efforts to clean up cities, had evolved into activities targeting African nationals.
He said public statements by anti-immigration groups calling for foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30, 2026, had “devastating consequences”.
“Besides some of our nationals losing property and assets, four (4) Ghanaians lost their lives,” he said.
The first victim, Mr Amoonu Jailor Nash, was murdered in East London by unknown assailants on April 3, 2026.
Mr Ablakwa said the South African Police Service was investigating the case and that the Government repatriated Mr Nash’s mortal remains to Ghana on September 3.
The second victim, Mr Bashiru Issahaq, a 44-year-old Ghanaian and father of three, was murdered on June 30 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, when violent anti-immigrant demonstrators attacked him.
Mr Ablakwa said Mr Issahaq’s identity was initially disputed by South African authorities but was eventually confirmed following insistence by Ghana.
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria lodged Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, filed a complaint with the South African Police Service and engaged investigative authorities to monitor the case.
Mr Ablakwa said Ghana had demanded a full, transparent and expeditious investigation, as well as the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
An autopsy conducted after the remains arrived in Ghana was inconclusive because of the state of the body.
The third victim, Mr Kwadwo Antwi, was murdered in Prieska in the Northern Cape Province on July 18, 2026, at about 0130 hours.
The Minister said the Ghana High Commission continued to engage the relevant South African authorities to bring the case to its final conclusion and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The fourth victim, Mr Ebenezer Ayi Tawiah, was reportedly unable to access medical care while ill because of harassment by South African vigilantes.
Mr Ablakwa said Mr Tawiah died on arrival at the Accra International Airport on August 17.
The Ministry transferred his mortal remains to the Police Hospital in Accra and arranged for an autopsy.
The Minister expressed condolences to the families of the four deceased and said the Government remained committed to pursuing all appropriate diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure justice.
At the diplomatic level, he said he had spoken directly with his South African counterpart, while the Acting South African High Commissioner in Accra was summoned to convey Ghana’s strong objection and seek assurances on the safety of Ghanaian nationals.
Mr Ablakwa said the Government would continue to keep the bereaved families informed of significant developments and provide the necessary support.
Beyond the individual cases, Ghana formally petitioned the African Union Commission on May 6 to place xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the AU agenda as an urgent continental concern.
The petition highlighted the loss of lives, attacks on African migrants, destruction of businesses and threats to African unity, free movement and continental integration.
Mr Ablakwa said Ghana secured the unanimous endorsement of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to pursue the matter within the AU.
He said the AU Commission had formally responded to Ghana’s petition and indicated that the matter would be tabled for deliberations at the AU Summit expected to convene in January 2027.
A total of 1,964 Ghanaians were evacuated between May 27 and September 4, 2026, through chartered and commercial flights, with the first flight prioritising children, the sick, the aged and women.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]