Ghana Probes Israel Over Detention of Citizens

The Government of Ghana will summon officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra on Wednesday, December 10, to protest the detention and deportation of Ghanaian travellers at Ben Gurion International Airport.

According to a strongly worded statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seven Ghanaian citizens were detained upon arrival in Tel Aviv on Sunday, December 7, without a clear explanation from Israeli authorities.

Four of those detained were part of a parliamentary delegation attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference. The ministry revealed they were held for over five hours before being released following “intense diplomatic intervention.”

The remaining three travellers were denied entry into Israel and deported, arriving back in Ghana shortly after. The Ministry has described Israel’s explanations for the treatment as “unconvincing and unacceptable.”

Ghana’s diplomatic mission maintains it adhered to all international standards. Government officials have indicated they are considering “possible reciprocal actions” if Israel does not adequately address the situation and implement measures to prevent similar incidents.

“We are deeply concerned about the treatment of our citizens,” stated Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. “We expect a full explanation and assurances that this will not happen again.”

The incident has sparked outrage in Ghana, with many calling for a strong response from the government. Further updates are expected following Wednesday’s meeting with Israeli officials.

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