馃嚞馃嚟GhanaWest Africa
Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak killed in South Africa, body repatriated for independent autopsy
via GhanaWeb3 min read
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Bashiru Isak, a Ghanaian national and father of three, was fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. His killing is linked to recent xenophobic attacks. The Ministry dismissed initial false claims by some South African officials regarding his identity, describing Isak as a law-abiding citizen. His body was repatriated to Ghana on July 14, 2026, and received by family and Ministry officials. It has been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. An independent autopsy will be conducted, as the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria and Isak's family were unable to obtain a report from South African authorities. The Ghanaian government has renewed its demand for justice, calling for expedited investigations, arrests, and prosecution of those responsible. Isak will be buried according to Islamic customs after the autopsy. The Ministry expressed condolences to his family and affirmed its commitment to diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure justice.
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 GhanaWeb.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the repatriation of Bashiru Isak, a Ghanaian national killed in South Africa. His remains arrived at Accra International Airport on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:40 pm. The government, through Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria and with the family's consent, facilitated the repatriation. Family members and senior Ministry officials received the body, which is now at the 37 Military Hospital. The government and Isak's family have agreed to an independent autopsy after unsuccessful attempts to obtain a report from South African authorities. The Ministry stated that Isak was fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during xenophobic attacks linked to anti-immigration protests on June 30, 2026. The government renews its demand for justice, calling for expedited investigations, arrests, and prosecution, and will pursue diplomatic and legal avenues. Isak will be buried according to Islamic customs after the autopsy.
The Government of Ghana, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration IOM, has facilitated the voluntary return of 144 Ghanaian migrants from Libya. These returnees arrived at Accra International Airport on July 14 in two groups, under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return Programme. This initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between the government and IOM to assist Ghanaian nationals in conflict-affected and high-risk migration areas, especially Libya. Upon arrival, the migrants underwent immigration and health screenings and received immediate support including food, psychosocial care, and transportation. They will also participate in reintegration programs, which include livelihood assistance, vocational skills training, and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives, based on individual assessments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad and thanked IOM and its partners. The ministry also advised Ghanaians seeking overseas opportunities to use official migration channels to avoid the dangers of irregular migration and human smuggling. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to collaborate with IOM, Ghana's diplomatic missions, and other state institutions to aid Ghanaians in distress and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has cautioned against an interpretation of the Constitution that would automatically vacate the seats of detained Members of Parliament. Ayariga argued that applying the constitutional provision on absenteeism without considering the circumstances of an MP's absence could set a problematic precedent. He stated that such an approach could lead to an elected representative being removed from Parliament due to an arrest, even before allegations are proven. These comments were made in response to discussions surrounding the prolonged absence of Asante Akyem North MP Kwame Ohene Frimpong, who was arrested in Amsterdam on May 8 on allegations of money laundering and romance scam-related offenses. Frimpong's absence has sparked debate over Article 971c of the 1992 Constitution, which allows for a parliamentary seat to become vacant after an MP is absent from 15 consecutive sittings without permission. Ayariga emphasized that Parliament should avoid establishing a precedent that could be used in future cases involving MPs detained against their will.