Ghana has halted the planned funeral for a Ghanaian citizen who was killed in South Africa. The government is demanding a full investigation into the death before any burial arrangements proceed. Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, stated this on Wednesday.
The deceased was reportedly found dead in East London, South Africa. Initial reports indicate the man was stabbed to death by armed robbers. This incident occurred approximately three weeks before his body was discovered. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Ministry has officially requested that South African authorities launch a comprehensive investigation into the killing.
This action is part of a broader effort by Ghana to ensure the safety and justice for its citizens abroad. It signals a firmer stance against the potential dismissal of such incidents. The Ghanaian government has previously expressed concerns about the safety of its nationals in South Africa. This incident, however, is specified as a criminal act. It is not directly linked to the broader xenophobic actions occurring in the country, according to High Commissioner Quarshie.
High Commissioner Quarshie explained that Ghanaian officials intervened to prevent the body's hasty disposal. "The Minister again gave instructions that the gentleman should not be buried until a full investigation is completed," he said. Ghana insists that justice must be served, including identifying the perpetrator, understanding the motive, and securing compensation for the victim's family. The deceased's family has been located and informed in Ghana. They are described as being deeply distressed by the loss of their breadwinner.
Ghana's position is clear: justice must be achieved. The government will continue to press South African authorities for accountability. "The era of Ghanaians or any other person being killed, and South African authorities just brushing it aside… I think that era is over," Quarshie declared. Ghana is committed to ensuring that every citizen killed abroad receives due process and that perpetrators are held accountable.