Ghana Takes Fresh Action As South Africa Reportedly Withholds Slain Citizen’s Autopsy Report
- Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Bashiru Isak, a father of three, was fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, Cape Town
- Isak's remains arrived in Ghana on July 14, 2026, after the government facilitated repatriation through its High Commission in Pretoria
- Ghana announced plans for an independent autopsy after South African authorities reportedly refused to release an official autopsy report to the family
Ghana has announced plans to conduct an independent autopsy on the body of Bashiru Isak, a Ghanaian national fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, after authorities in that country reportedly failed to provide an autopsy report to his family or Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria.
Source: UGC
In a Facebook post dated July 16, 2026, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the deceased was Isak, who was described as a law-abiding father of three.
The ministry stated that this identification contradicted early denials made by some South African officials.
Isak's remains were repatriated to Ghana on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, arriving at 6:40 pm. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the bereaved family received the body at the airport. It has since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital.
Ghana Demands Justice Over Isak's Killing
The Ghanaian government renewed its call for swift justice, demanding expedited investigations, arrests, and prosecution in connection with the killing, which it linked to the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
"There must be no room for silence or cover-ups in the gruesome killing of Mr Isak," the ministry wrote in its statement, adding that the government remains committed to pursuing all appropriate diplomatic and legal avenues.
The ministry also noted that after the independent autopsy is completed, Isak will be buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
Social Media Reactions to the Ministry's Statement
The Ministry's Facebook post drew a range of responses from users across Ghana and South Africa.
Doe Ebenezer wrote:
"RIP to you, your gentle soul comrade."
Simphiwe Gee Ndlovu commented:
"Some would rather die in South Africa than to go back home. I wonder why. Even now, there are a lot of illegal Ghanaians in South Africa, don't wanna go home."
Tivi Tivi wrote:
"Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana, you were warned through diplomatic channels to stop spreading disinformation and be factual when presenting information on social media. I guess this route makes you popular regardless of straining diplomatic relations with the sovereign country of the Republic of South Africa."
South Africa: Ghana announces final evacuation
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghana is set to begin the final phase of its mass repatriation exercise from South Africa on 25 July, with close to 900 registered Ghanaian nationals expected to be brought home following a wave of xenophobic attacks.
High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie announced this while addressing the Ghanaian community in South Africa, describing the operation as the concluding chapter of a state-backed evacuation programme that has already returned 926 citizens in earlier phases.
"We are going to do the final repatriation of close to 900 Ghanaians who have voluntarily given their names here in South Africa that they want to go," Quashie said.
Source: YEN.com.gh
