
Ghana and South Africa are in a diplomatic disagreement following the death of a Ghanaian national in South Africa. Ghana's foreign ministry stated that Bashiru Isak, 40, was shot and killed during "anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks" in Cape Town's Khayelitsha township and formally protested to Pretoria. South Africa, however, dismissed Ghana's claim as "factually incorrect" and "not based on fact," asserting that no fatalities were recorded during recent protests. South African Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi expressed concern over Ghana spreading "false information" and perpetuating a "false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic." South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola had previously warned Ghana against "public spectacles characterised by incomplete information and outright misinformation." South African police believe the killing may have been "extortion-related," stating that a 35-year-old Ghanaian was shot at a barbershop on Monday, not Tuesday as claimed by Accra, and provided a different location for the incident. Ghana's foreign ministry spokesman affirmed Accra stands by its statement.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadNigeria is increasing military cooperation with Benin and Niger to counter the encroachment of jihadists from the Sahel into Nigeria's northwest, according to Nigerian defence minister, retired general Christopher Musa. He stated that a new sector is being opened to cover the border between Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Niger, facilitating tri-country military collaboration. This initiative aims to prevent groups like the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM from entering Nigeria through Benin from Burkina Faso. Musa described the plan as a "work in progress" and mentioned his intention to visit Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, despite political differences with these militarily-governed nations. He emphasized the importance of military cooperation to defeat insurgencies in the region. The increased collaboration with Benin includes Beninese troops operating within Nigerian territory with established permission. Nigeria's conflict, traditionally in the northeast, is now seeing a shift within its borders, with concerns about jihadists moving deeper into the south, often leveraging unguarded forest reserves and illegal mining operations. With a presidential election approaching in January, there are fears that voters in conflict-affected areas may be unable to cast their ballots, a possibility Musa acknowledged, stating efforts are underway to ensure safety for voters.

Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, has called for increased judicial and public support in prosecuting cybercrime cases, stating that convictions would deter future offenders. Speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of legal publications and the Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye Educational Foundation, Ajayi highlighted that security agencies are pursuing cybercrime cases, including those involving online attacks against public officials, to send a strong message to potential offenders. He emphasized the necessity of holding offenders accountable to foster societal change and condemned defamatory attacks on individuals via digital platforms, warning that unpunished acts could escalate to physical violence. Ajayi urged legal practitioners and stakeholders to support these prosecutions, including through amicus curiae briefs. He also acknowledged retired Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye's contributions to addressing challenges in admitting electronic evidence. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Solicitor-General Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, commended Justice Ajileye's scholarly work on electronic evidence, noting its importance in the technology-driven administration of justice. The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, reiterated the commission's commitment to combating internet fraud and called for legislation to enable the use of Artificial Intelligence in investigations. Chief Wole Ola

President Bola Tinubu has urged Team Nigeria to achieve its best-ever performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. During a Presidential Send-off Ceremony at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu, through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, called on the athletes to compete with integrity, discipline, and patriotism. He emphasized the importance of fair competition and clean victories, stating that "winning clean is more important" than just winning. The President also highlighted his administration's commitment to sports development, noting the assent to the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act and the inauguration of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre board. He assured the team of the Federal Government's support and the prayers of Nigerians. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, thanked the President for his focus on sports development, while Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade pledged that the 72-member contingent would represent the country with distinction. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.