The Republic of Ghana lodged a formal and sharp diplomatic protest with Israel on Wednesday, deploring the “inhumane and traumatic” treatment of its citizens, including a visiting parliamentary delegation, by Israeli border authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport.
The incident, which the Ghanaian government claims involved the “deliberate targeting” of its nationals since Sunday, December 7, 2025, has strained relations between the two countries, which have historically maintained more than six decades of cordial ties.
Response from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release stating its “strong protest” over the recent ill-treatment.
The Ministry confirmed that seven Ghanaian travellers were detained on one day at the Tel Aviv airport “without justifiable cause.” The group included four members of Ghana’s Parliament who were scheduled to attend the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference.
According to the Ministry, the four lawmakers were only released after enduring “more than five hours of strenuous diplomatic intervention.” The remaining three travellers, however, were ultimately deported on the next available flight.
Ghana characterized the Israeli authorities’ actions as “unfairly targeting Ghanaian travellers” and expressed “strong reservations against the humiliating treatment of our citizens.”
Highlighting a history of friendly relations and “considerable high volumes of unimpeded travel” by citizens of both nations, the Ministry characterized Israel’s conduct as “extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations.”
The Government responded by deporting three Israelis who arrived in Ghana earlier on Wednesday. The Ministry also stated that they had agreed to an amicable resolution.
Considering Reciprocal Action
Following inquiries, Ghana was told the deportations were based on an “alleged non-cooperation of our Embassy” in Tel Aviv.
The Ministry dismissed this explanation as “totally untenable,” asserting its mission is “responsive and compliant with international law.”
To convey its displeasure “in the strongest possible terms,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it would summon senior officials from the Israeli Embassy in Accra.
Furthermore, the government of Ghana stated it is “considering appropriate reciprocal action” in response to the alleged violations of its citizens’ rights.
The incident at Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, December 7, 2025, while seemingly a simple border control issue, was the culmination of simmering diplomatic tensions between Ghana and Israel, rooted in recent global geopolitical shifts.
Deeper Underlying Frictions
There have been previous statements from Ghanaian officials that were critical of Israeli operations in Gaza, causing discomfort in the bilateral relationship.
In July 2025, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister met with a special envoy of the Palestinian President, reaffirming the call for a ceasefire and condemning Israeli actions.
In August 2025, Ghana dispatched an emergency aid convoy, containing tons of food products and urgent in-kind assistance, to Palestine, emphasizing its solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In October 2025, Ghanaian officials expressed support for a proposed Gaza peace plan by the US President, welcoming the initiative as a way to “end the war, rebuild Gaza, prevent the annexation and displacement of the Palestinian people, and advance a comprehensive peace plan.”
Update: We updated our story to reflect a response from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deport three Israeli travellers from Ghana.
This article was edited with AI and reviewed by human editors
