Ghanaian Victims Killed in South Africa Xenophobic Attacks: Ghana Lodges Protest

• Two Ghanaians, Bashiru Isaac and Kojo Antwi, were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
• The Ghanaian government has evacuated over 1,000 citizens from Johannesburg as part of an emergency evacuation exercise.
• Ghana has lodged a formal protest with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation over the killings.
• The African Union has been petitioned to address recurring xenophobic attacks on the continent.

The recent surge in xenophobic violence in South Africa has resulted in the tragic loss of two Ghanaians, sparking widespread concern and condemnation.

The recent surge in xenophobic violence in South Africa has resulted in the tragic loss of two Ghanaians, sparking widespread concern and condemnation. The victims, Bashiru Isaac and Kojo Antwi, were attacked in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, and Prieska in the Northern Cape Province, respectively. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the attacks are deeply disturbing and have been linked to campaigns by civic groups, including Operation Dudula, which has evolved from efforts aimed at cleaning cities into targeting African migrants through harassment, intimidation, and so-called citizen arrests.

The Ghanaian government has lodged a formal protest with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation after initially rejecting claims by South African authorities that one of the victims had been misidentified. Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana had completed its own coroner's report, but was still awaiting the South African autopsy findings to guide further legal and diplomatic action. The Minister emphasized that the government expects thorough, transparent, and swift investigations into the killings and will continue to protect the rights and welfare of Ghanaians abroad.

Ghana has also petitioned the African Union to place the recurring xenophobic attacks on its agenda, highlighting the need for collective action to address this issue. The Minister commended humanitarian organizations and corporate partners for supporting the evacuation efforts and praised the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg for offering free shelter to displaced Ghanaians.

The xenophobic attacks have strained relations between Ghana and South Africa, with Mr. Ablakwa reaffirming the government's commitment to maintaining cordial ties while emphasizing the need for South African authorities to take concrete steps to address this issue. The Minister stressed that the government expects thorough investigations into the killings and will continue to protect the rights and welfare of Ghanaians abroad.

The crisis has also highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts in addressing xenophobic attacks, with Ghana's Foreign Affairs Ministry playing a key role in coordinating evacuation efforts and engaging with South African authorities. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to working closely with international partners to address this issue and promote peace and stability on the continent.

Lawyers advising Ghanaian clients abroad should be aware of the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which may impact their safety and well-being. They should also monitor developments on the diplomatic and legal fronts, particularly the investigations into the killings and the evacuation efforts.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times