Ghana’s government has sharply condemned what it describes as the “inhumane and unjustifiable” treatment of its nationals at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, following a series of detentions and deportations since Sunday. In a statement issued Wednesday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its citizens were “deliberately targeted,” subjected to “traumatic and humiliating” procedures, and denied entry without clear explanation. Seven Ghanaians were detained, including four Members of Parliament who had travelled to Israel to attend an international cybersecurity conference in Tel Aviv. The lawmakers were released only after hours of diplomatic intervention by Ghana’s mission in Israel.
Three other Ghanaian travelers were deported and have since returned home. The ministry described the conduct of Israeli authorities as “extremely provocative and inconsistent with the longstanding friendship between our two nations.” Officials said they will summon the Israeli Embassy in Accra to formally register their protest and are considering reciprocal measures. Ghana and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1957, though ties have experienced periods of tension in the past.
