The Government of Ghana has repatriated the mortal remains of Bashiru Isak, the Ghanaian national who was killed in South Africa during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks, as it renews its call for justice over his death.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Mr. Isak, a father of three, was the Ghanaian who was fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town. The Ministry said the confirmation contradicts earlier claims by some South African officials regarding the identity of the deceased.
According to the Ministry, the Government, through Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria and with the consent of the bereaved family, facilitated the repatriation of Mr. Isak’s remains to Ghana.
The body arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, July 14, at 6:40 p.m., where it was received by family members and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital.
The Government expressed its deepest sympathies to Mr. Isak’s parents, wife, children, relatives and friends, describing him as a law-abiding citizen and a loving family man whose death has left an irreplaceable loss.
The Ministry disclosed that, in consultation with the family, an independent autopsy will be conducted after efforts by both the family and Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria to obtain an official autopsy report from South African authorities proved unsuccessful.
It stressed that Ghana remains determined to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure accountability.
“The Government of Ghana renews its demand for justice. We expect expedited investigations, arrests and prosecution. There must be no room for silence or cover-ups in the gruesome killing of Mr. Isak,” the statement said.
The Ministry further indicated that following the autopsy, Mr. Isak will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs.
It reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to pursuing all appropriate diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure justice is served while continuing to engage South African authorities over the case.
The Ministry also extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them of the Government’s continued support during this difficult period.
Story By: Eric Boateng
