“Speak up before it gets worse” — Sarkodie condemns xenophobic killing
Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has condemned the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian man during anti-immigrant unrest in South Africa, describing the incident as disturbing and calling for stronger opposition to xenophobic violence.
Reacting on his X account on July 1, 2026, the rapper said he has always held South Africa in high regard but admitted the latest incident had left him deeply saddened. While acknowledging that many South Africans do not support such acts, he urged citizens to speak out more forcefully against attacks on foreign nationals.
“Disappointed in one of my favorite places in the world, SA. I know not everyone out there is involved in this, but this is insane and makes no sense! I wish my South African brothers and sisters would speak up against this more strongly because it’s getting out of hand. God help our African brothers and sisters out there,” he wrote.
His reaction follows the death of 40-year-old Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak, who was reportedly shot during demonstrations in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30, 2026. The incident has renewed concerns over recurring xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Government of Ghana has also strongly denounced the killing. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 1, 2026, authorities described the attack as a senseless act of violence and demanded that those responsible be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The ministry further disclosed that Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria has formally presented the country’s protest to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation. It added that an official complaint has also been lodged with the South African Police Service after the victim’s identity was confirmed and his family informed.
The tragic incident has reignited calls for stronger protection of African migrants and renewed efforts by governments across the continent to address xenophobic violence, which has repeatedly strained relations between South Africa and several African countries.
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Disappointed in one of my favorite places in the world, SA 🇿🇦. I know not everyone out there is involved in this, but this is insane and makes no sense!
I wish my South African brothers and sisters would speak up against this more strongly because it’s getting out of hand.
— Sarkodie (@sarkodie) July 1, 2026
Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang
