The Government of Ghana has condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa and called for a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 1 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had received "with profound shock" reports that a Ghanaian citizen had been killed during the demonstrations that took place on 30 June.

The ministry condemned what it described as a senseless act of violence and expressed concern over what it called the rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.

It said the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria had, on the instructions of the Ministry, formally lodged Ghana's protest with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation and subsequently filed a complaint with the South African Police Service.

According to the ministry, these steps were taken after confirming the identity of the deceased, Mr Bashiru Isak, and informing his family. It added that an autopsy had been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana.

The ministry called on the South African authorities to conduct a full investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

It also urged the South African government to strengthen protection for Ghanaian nationals living in affected communities and to uphold the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals in line with its international obligations.

The statement noted that Ghana had already submitted a petition to the African Union Commission (AUC) concerning xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, adding that it expected the matter to be considered urgently at the Commission's next statutory meeting.

The ministry said arrangements were being made to repatriate Mr Isak's body to Ghana for burial.

It extended its condolences to the bereaved family and advised Ghanaians in South Africa who had not taken part in the government's repatriation exercise to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria through its emergency telephone lines if necessary.

The ministry said Ghana would continue to pursue diplomatic, consular and multilateral efforts to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to help prevent similar incidents in future.