South Africa: Ghana reports four deaths in xenophobic crisis

Ghana reported on Monday, September 7, that four of its nationals died in the context of the xenophobic crisis in South Africa between April and August 2026. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, detailed the four cases in Accra as the government was completing its evacuation operation.

Three deaths are presented by the Ghanaian authorities as homicides that occurred in South Africa. Amoonu Jailor Nash was killed in East London, Bashiru Issahaq in Khayelitsha, near Cape Town, and Kwadwo Antwi in Prieska, in the Northern Cape. South African investigations are ongoing, and Accra demands that those responsible be identified and prosecuted.

The fourth case is different. Ebenezer Ayi Tawiah was ill and, according to the minister, was prevented from accessing care due to harassment by anti-foreigner groups. He died upon arrival at Accra International Airport on August 17. The Ghanaian authorities have conducted an autopsy.

Accra has intensified its démarches with Pretoria. The Ghana High Commission lodged a protest with the South African authorities and involved the police in at least one of the cases. The minister also indicated having communicated with his South African counterpart, while the South African chargé d’affaires in Accra was summoned.

The crisis led Ghana to organize the return of 1,964 nationals between May 27 and September 4. The evacuations primarily concerned those who felt their safety was threatened by the resurgence of anti-immigration campaigns and actions by vigilante groups.

The matter has also been raised at the continental level. Ghana referred the issue to the African Union Commission in May and secured the support of ECOWAS to request that the issue of xenophobic violence be examined by the pan-African organization. The topic is scheduled to be discussed at the African Union summit planned for January 2027.