Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, has dismissed widespread reports suggesting Ghanaians have been killed in ongoing xenophobic attacks, stating that no such deaths have been recorded.
Mr Quarshie clarified that available official data does not support the viral claims circulating online.
“So the current xenophobic actions that are going on, nobody has lost their lives,” he said, stressing that statistics provided to the mission contradict the narrative of fatalities involving Ghanaians.
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His remarks come amid heightened tensions in parts of South Africa, where concerns over attacks on foreign nationals have triggered alarm across social media platforms.
Speaking on PM Express with Evans Mensah, on Wednesday, Mr Quarshie explained that investigations revealed the incident was unrelated to xenophobic violence.
According to him, the victim was stabbed by armed robbers in an incident that occurred three weeks prior to authorities becoming aware.
“In fact, there was a story going round about a Ghanaian who had lost his life in East London… We went there yesterday on the instructions of the Foreign Affairs Minister,” he stated.
He added that the delay in reporting meant officials only discovered the case weeks after the incident, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
The High Commissioner disclosed that Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has formally requested a full investigation into the killing, while also intervening to halt plans for a mass burial.
“They wanted to mass-bury the gentleman, but the Minister gave instructions that the gentleman should not be buried until a full investigation is completed,” he said.
Mr Quarshie emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring justice, including identifying the perpetrators, establishing the motive, and securing compensation for the victim’s family.
He confirmed that the deceased’s relatives in Ghana have been contacted, noting the emotional toll of the loss, particularly as the victim was the family’s breadwinner.
Describing the killing as really, really pathetic, he maintained that the case should not be mischaracterized as xenophobic violence.
The envoy further signaled a tougher stance going forward, assuring that Ghana’s diplomatic mission will pursue accountability in all such incidents.
“We will ensure there’s accountability. Until justice is done, we will not stop,” he said.