By Makiza Micheline Latifa
Accra, 10 December 2025
— The Government of Ghana has issued a strong protest over what it describes as the “inhumane and traumatic” treatment of Ghanaian travellers by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport.
According to an official statement, the Government is “appalled” by a disturbing pattern of ill-treatment that began on Sunday, 7 December 2025, during which Ghanaian nationals arriving in Israel were allegedly singled out for harsh and unjustified security procedures.
Detention of Parliamentary Delegation
Among those affected were seven Ghanaian travellers, including four members of a parliamentary delegation attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv. All seven individuals were detained upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport without what Ghana describes as “justifiable cause.”
The parliamentary delegation was released only after more than five hours of what the government called “strenuous diplomatic intervention.” The remaining three travellers were deported and have since returned to Ghana.
Government Registers Strong Displeasure
The Government considers the conduct of Israeli authorities to be discriminatory and “unfairly targeting Ghanaian travellers.” The statement emphasized that the actions amounted to humiliation of Ghanaian citizens and contradicted the historically cordial relationship between the two nations.
For over six decades, Ghana and Israel have maintained friendly bilateral ties characterized by significant, largely unhindered movement of people between the two countries. The Government described the new development as “extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations.”
Rejection of Israel’s Justification
Inquiries made by Ghana into the incident included a review of Israel’s claim that the alleged treatment stemmed from the Ghanaian Embassy’s supposed non-cooperation in processing deportations of Ghanaian nationals. Ghana dismissed this justification as “totally untenable,” insisting that its mission in Tel Aviv has consistently acted in accordance with international law and has been fully responsive to such matters.
Diplomatic Action Underway
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has scheduled a meeting with officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra to express Ghana’s displeasure “in the strongest possible terms.”
Meanwhile, the Government has indicated that it is considering “appropriate reciprocal action” in response to the incident.
Further updates are expected as diplomatic engagements progress.
Find attached the full statement from the Ministry.