The mortal remains of Bashiru Isak, a Ghanaian national fatally shot in South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, have been repatriated to Ghana. The government is demanding justice and will conduct an independent autopsy.
Mortal remains of Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak, killed in South Africa, have been repatriated to Ghana.
With the consent of the bereaved family, the Government of Ghana, through its High Commission in Pretoria, facilitated the repatriation of Mr. Isak's mortal remains, which arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026, at 6:40 p.m.
Deceased Ghanaian identified as Bashiru Isak, a father of three, contradicting initial false claims by South African officials.
The Ministry sadly confirms that the deceased Ghanaian who was fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, was Bashiru Isak, a law-abiding and loving father of three. This fact contradicts false claims initially made by some South African officials.
Ghana to conduct independent autopsy for Bashiru Isak due to lack of report from South African authorities, demanding justice.
The Ministry and Mr. Isak's family have agreed to conduct an independent autopsy, particularly as the High Commission in Pretoria and Mr. Isak's family have been unsuccessful in obtaining an autopsy report from South African authorities. The Government of Ghana renews its demand for justice.
Killing of Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak is linked to the ongoing wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to provide the following update... regarding the tragic killing of a Ghanaian in South Africa in circumstances linked to the current wave of xenophobic attacks in that country.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Ghana facilitated the safe return of 144 Ghanaian migrants from Libya on Tuesday, 14th July 2026 under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) Programme. The returnees arrived at Accra International Airport in two batches, approximately 20 minutes apart.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders involved in migrant protection and reintegration received the returnees upon arrival.
Immediate assistance and screening
The returnees underwent immigration and health screening upon arrival. They received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, psychosocial support and transportation assistance.
Reintegration support
The returnees will be enrolled in reintegration programmes aimed at supporting their successful return to their communities. These programmes include livelihood assistance, vocational skills training and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives, subject to individual assessments.
Partnership and commitment
The evacuation forms part of a longstanding partnership between the Government of Ghana and IOM to provide safe, orderly and dignified return for Ghanaian nationals stranded abroad, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk migration transit countries such as Libya.
The Government of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and expressed appreciation to the International Organization for Migration and other partners for their continued support in facilitating voluntary humanitarian evacuation exercises and promoting the safe reintegration of returning evacuees.
Safe migration messaging
The Government reiterated the importance of regular and safe migration, urging prospective migrants to make informed decisions and to utilise legal migration pathways while avoiding the dangers associated with irregular migration and human smuggling networks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with the International Organization for Migration, Ghana's diplomatic missions abroad and relevant national institutions to provide consular assistance to Ghanaian nationals in distress and to strengthen efforts aimed at promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.
Mentioned in this story
Provided updates on the repatriation of Bashiru Isak's remains, confirmed his identity, and is facilitating an independent autopsy due to lack of cooperation from South African authorities. It also renewed the demand for justice.
He was fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, South Africa, in circumstances linked to xenophobic attacks. His mortal remains were repatriated to Ghana, and an independent autopsy will be conducted.
Facilitated the repatriation of Bashiru Isak's remains, expressed condolences to his family, and is committed to pursuing justice through diplomatic and legal avenues. It also demanded expedited investigations and prosecutions.
The country where Bashiru Isak was killed in circumstances linked to xenophobic attacks. Its officials initially made false claims, and its authorities have been unsuccessful in providing an autopsy report.
Facilitated the repatriation of Mr. Isak's remains and has been unsuccessful in obtaining an autopsy report from South African authorities, leading to the agreement for an independent autopsy.