Ghana has expelled three Israeli citizens in response to what it described as the mistreatment and wrongful deportation of several Ghanaians at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport last week. The incident occurred on 7 December, when a group of Ghanaians including four members of a parliamentary delegation en route to a cybersecurity conference were detained upon arrival in Tel Aviv. Three of them were later denied entry and sent back to Ghana. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the treatment “traumatic” and accused Israeli authorities of singling out Ghanaian travelers.
In retaliation, Ghana ordered three recently arrived Israeli nationals to leave the country. The Israeli chargé d’affaires in Accra was summoned for discussions, while the ambassador was out of the country. Foreign Affairs Minister stated that Ghana’s actions were necessary to protect its citizens and that both countries are now working diplomatically to resolve tensions. The ministry emphasized that while Ghana values its relations with Israel, visitors from friendly nations must receive the same respect accorded to Ghanaian citizens abroad. The episode adds a new layer of diplomatic strain between Ghana and Israel, highlighting the importance both countries place on the fair treatment of their nationals overseas.
