The Government of Ghana has issued a strong protest to Israeli authorities after what it describes as the degrading and unjustified mistreatment of Ghanaian travelers at Ben Gurion International Airport, an incident officials say has strained longstanding diplomatic ties.
In a statement released Wednesday, the government said it is “appalled” by the treatment meted out to Ghanaian nationals entering Israel since Sunday, December 7, alleging that travelers were “deliberately targeted and subjected to inhumane and traumatic treatment.”
According to the statement, seven Ghanaians including four members of a parliamentary delegation attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv were detained without cause upon arrival. The lawmakers, whose mission was officially sanctioned, were reportedly held for more than five hours before being released following “strenuous diplomatic intervention.”
The remaining three Ghanaian travelers were deported on the next available flight and have since returned to Accra.
Ghanaian authorities condemned the Israeli actions as discriminatory and inconsistent with the decades-long friendly relations between the two nations. The government emphasized that travel between Ghana and Israel has historically been unhindered, further underscoring its frustration over what it called an “extremely provocative and unacceptable” episode.
Officials also rejected Israel’s reported explanation that the detentions stemmed from alleged non-cooperation by Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv concerning deportation processes. The government insisted the claim is “untenable,” asserting that the embassy has acted in accordance with international law and responded appropriately to all consular matters.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to summon officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra to formally convey Ghana’s strong displeasure. The government added that it is considering “appropriate reciprocal action,” signaling the possibility of diplomatic countermeasures should Israel fail to address the concerns.
The development has triggered heightened attention as Ghana prepares for a busy travel season and continues to emphasize the protection of its citizens abroad. Officials urged media houses to amplify the government’s position as consultations and diplomatic engagements evolve in the coming days.