In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Mr Isak’s remains arrived at the Accra International Airport on Tuesday, July 14, at 6:40 p.m. The repatriation was coordinated by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria with the consent of the deceased’s family.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of Mr Isak’s family received the body upon arrival before it was transferred to the 37 Military Hospital.
The ministry identified the deceased as Bashiru Isak, describing him as a law-abiding citizen and a devoted father of three. According to the government, he was shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town, during an incident associated with the recent attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The ministry also stated that its confirmation of Mr Isak’s identity contradicts earlier claims by some South African officials regarding the identity of the victim.
As part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death, the Government of Ghana and Mr Isak’s family have agreed to conduct an independent autopsy. The decision follows unsuccessful attempts by Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria and the family to obtain the official autopsy report from South African authorities.
Reaffirming its position, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a swift and transparent investigation into the killing.
“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 ministry said.
The government further assured the public that it would continue to pursue all appropriate diplomatic and legal channels to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Following the independent autopsy, Bashiru Isak will be buried in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its condolences to the deceased’s parents, wife, children, relatives and loved ones, while reiterating Ghana’s commitment to supporting the family throughout the process and seeking justice on their behalf.
