Ghana Deports Three Israelis After Citizens Face “Ill-Treatment” at Ben Gurion Airport

News

Dec 10

***Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Photo credit Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ghana***

Accra, Ghana- The Government of Ghana has deported three Israeli nationals in response to what it called the “ill-treatment and unjustified deportation” of Ghanaian travelers by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move followed reports that seven Ghanaians were detained and questioned by Israeli security personnel on Sunday, December 7, 2025, without cause. The group included four members of Ghana’s parliamentary delegation who were attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv.

“The Government of Ghana deplores the recent ill-treatment meted out to Ghanaian nationals travelling to Israel,” the statement read. “Since December 7, Ghanaian travelers have been deliberately targeted and subjected to inhumane and traumatic treatment.”

According to the ministry, the detained travelers were released after more than five hours of diplomatic intervention, while three others were deported on the next available flight and have since returned to Ghana.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it had summoned officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra to formally protest the incident and demand an explanation. Ghana described the actions of Israeli authorities as “provocative, unacceptable, and inconsistent” with the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries.

“The Government of Ghana considers the actions of the Israeli authorities as unfairly targeting Ghanaian travelers,” the ministry stated, adding that it has “conveyed strong reservations against the humiliating treatment of our citizens.”

Officials also rejected Israel’s claim that Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv failed to cooperate during the deportation process, saying the mission had acted promptly and in line with international protocol.

Hours later, the ministry announced that Ghana had deported three Israeli nationals who arrived in Accra earlier the same day. The retaliatory action, it said, was taken “to safeguard the dignity of Ghanaian citizens and ensure reciprocity in diplomatic relations.”

“Following the ill-treatment and unjustified deportation of three Ghanaian nationals by Israeli authorities, the Government of Ghana has been compelled to retaliate,” the ministry said.

Both countries have since agreed to resolve the matter amicably, and Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cordial relations with Israel.

The Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of the Israeli Embassy was summoned for discussions, as the Israeli Ambassador is currently outside the country. Ghana’s ministry said it remains open to dialogue but will continue to “safeguard the dignity of its nationals and that of other countries.”

“Ghana deeply values its relations with all friendly nations,” the ministry concluded, “and expects its citizens to be treated with dignity and respect, just as we treat the citizens of others.”