War of words ensues between Ghana and South Africa

South Africa has dismissed Ghana’s claim that a Ghanaian national was killed during anti-immigrant protests in Cape Town.

According to South African authorities, police investigations indicate that the Ghanaian man was shot on June 29 at a barbershop in Nyanga, Cape Town, a day before the anti-immigrant protests cited by Ghana.

Police said unknown suspects allegedly entered the shop, demanded money, shot the victim, and fled the scene.Authorities say preliminary investigations suggest the killing may have been linked to extortion rather than xenophobic violence.

They also maintained that no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 protests.The response follows a statement by the Government of Ghana, which said the man was killed during xenophobic violence and called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile,South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi described Ghana’s account as “factually incorrect” and urged that diplomatic matters be addressed through official channels while investigations continue.

The differing accounts have created a diplomatic dispute between the two countries as investigations into the killing continue.