The Government of Ghana has announced plans to conduct an independent autopsy on the remains of Bashiru Isak, the Ghanaian national killed during recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The decision followed consultations with Mr. Isak’s family after both the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria and the bereaved family failed to obtain an official post-mortem report from South African authorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the independent autopsy forms part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Isak’s death.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, the government renewed its call 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. Bashiru Isak,” the ministry said.
The ministry said Mr. Isak would be buried according to Islamic rites after the independent autopsy is completed.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing all appropriate diplomatic and legal channels to ensure those responsible for the killing are brought to justice.
The government also extended its condolences to Mr Isak’s parents, wife, children, relatives and loved ones, assuring the family of its continued support during their period of mourning.
