Four Ghanaians were killed in South Africa between April and July 2026 amid renewed xenophobic attacks against African nationals, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
The Minister made the disclosure on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a media briefing in Accra on the government’s response to the violence and the conclusion of Ghana’s evacuation exercise.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the deaths occurred in different parts of South Africa as anti-foreigner sentiments intensified from April 2026.
Four Ghanaians Lost Their Lives
The Minister said the four Ghanaian nationals were killed or died in circumstances linked to the wider crisis affecting African migrants in South Africa.
Among those identified was Bashiru Issahaq, who was killed in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30, 2026, during anti-immigrant violence.
Kwadwo Antwi was reportedly killed on July 18, 2026, in Prieska in the Northern Cape, while Amoonu Jailor Nash was killed on April 3, 2026, in East London.
Ebenezer Ayi Tawiah, who was reportedly unable to access medical care amid the harassment and insecurity, died on August 17, 2026, upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport.
Ghana Pursues Justice
Mr Ablakwa said the Ghanaian government is pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure accountability for the deaths.
Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria lodged diplomatic protests with South African authorities and filed complaints with the South African Police Service over the incidents.
The government has also called for transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and appropriate action against those found responsible.
Nearly 2,000 Ghanaians Evacuated
The disclosure came as Ghana concluded an evacuation exercise that brought vulnerable citizens home from South Africa following the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks and intimidation.
The exercise, which began on May 27 and ended on September 4, 2026, brought home 1,964 Ghanaians, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s account of the operation.
The government spent GH¢49.72 million on the evacuation, covering chartered flights, commercial tickets, ground transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical care and reintegration support.
The government itself spent GH¢33.72 million, while Engineers and Planners, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, contributed GH¢16 million towards the exercise.
South Africa’s Xenophobic Crisis
Mr Ablakwa attributed the renewed attacks to activities of vigilante groups including “March and March” and “Operation Dudula,” whose campaigns against foreigners have intensified tensions involving African nationals.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the government remained concerned about the safety of Ghanaians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
The evacuation exercise also provided returning Ghanaians with reintegration financial support, transportation allowances, medical and psychosocial support, free health insurance registration and assistance towards employment.
Ghana has maintained that the safety and dignity of its citizens remain a priority as it engages South African authorities over the attacks and seeks justice for those who lost their lives.
