Ghana, South Africa in diplomatic row over migrant’s death

Ghana and South Africa are locked in a fresh diplomatic spat following the killing of a Ghanaian migrant, Bashiru Isak, 40, in Cape Town. Ghana's foreign ministry stated Isak was shot and killed during "anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks" and formally protested to Pretoria.

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no fatalities were recorded on the protest day, which saw thousands take to the streets across parts of the country.

South Africa's government has dismissed Ghana's claims as "factually incorrect" and "not based on fact." The country's justice minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, stated that no fatalities were recorded on the protest day and expressed concern over Ghana's "false information" that perpetuates a "false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic."

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It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration.

South African police, however, believe the killing may be "extortion-related." They reported that a 35-year-old Ghanaian, identified by a different name than the one provided by Accra, was shot at a barbershop on Monday, not Tuesday as claimed by Ghana. Police also indicated a different location for the alleged incident, stating unknown suspects demanded money before shooting the victim.

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The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable.

This dispute follows a warning last month from South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola to Ghana, cautioning against "public spectacles characterised by incomplete information and outright misinformation devoid of any diplomatic decorum" during the evacuation of Ghanaian citizens amid anti-immigrant tensions. A foreign affairs spokesman emphasized the need for Ghana to consult South Africa through diplomatic channels before disseminating information that has been both inaccurate and unverifiable.

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It is important that through the diplomatic channels we have a process that it’s clear that people can consult with us before disseminating information, which in recent times, particularly from our Ghanaian counterparts, has not only been inaccurate but has also not been verifiable.