Ghana Summons Israeli Envoy, Threatens Retaliation
Ghana government has sharply criticised Israeli authorities for what it described as inhumane, discriminatory, and unjustifiable treatment of Ghanaian travellers at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that at least seven Ghanaian nationals were detained on Sunday, December 7, 2025, without lawful basis.
Among them were four members of a Parliamentary delegation attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Israel.
According to the Ministry, the lawmakers were held for more than five hours despite presenting official credentials, and were only released following intense diplomatic intervention from Accra.
The remaining three travellers were deported to Ghana on the next available flight.
The government condemned the incident as “provocative, unacceptable, and a betrayal of six decades of diplomatic friendship,” accusing Israeli security personnel of deliberately profiling Ghanaian passport holders and subjecting them to traumatic interrogation procedures.
Israel reportedly justified the detentions by alleging non-cooperation from Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv regarding deportation procedures.
Accra dismissed this claim as false, insisting its mission has been fully compliant with international protocols and responsive to consular communications.
The Ministry announced it would summon Israeli officials in Accra to formally register Ghana’s protest.
It also warned that reciprocal measures are under consideration — a potential escalation that could affect travel, visa issuance, and bilateral programs.
Ghana emphasised that the incident threatens the foundation of over 60 years of cordial relations with Israel, which have included religious pilgrimages, security cooperation, and extensive travel exchanges.
“The Government of Ghana considers the actions of the Israeli authorities as unfairly targeting Ghanaian travelers and accordingly conveys its strong reservations against the humiliating treatment of our citizens at Ben Gurion International Airport,” the statement read.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad while signaling that appropriate retaliatory steps may soon follow.
