ACCRA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ghanaian government late Wednesday issued a statement confirming the killing of a Ghanaian national by anti-African immigrant protesters in South Africa on Tuesday.
The statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the killing of the 40-year-old Ghanaian Bashiru Isak, shot to death during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town in 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 insisted.
The statement further demanded a full, transparent, and expedited investigation that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and urged the South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities.
The foreign ministry also urged Ghanaians still in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and call the Ghana mission's 24-hour hotline when in danger.
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 statement assured, adding that plans were underway to fly the remains of the murdered Ghanaian back home for handing over to his relatives. ■