The Government of Ghana has lodged a protest against Israeli authorities over what it describes as the ill-treatment of Ghanaian nationals travelling to Israel through the Ben Gurion International Airport.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, December 10, the government said it was “appalled at the ill-treatment meted out to Ghanaian travellers” and had observed with “great concern” what it described as the deliberate targeting of Ghanaians since Sunday, December 7, 2025.
According to the statement, seven Ghanaian nationals were detained at the airport without “justifiable cause” on the said date. Among them were four members of a parliamentary delegation who were in Israel to participate in the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv.
“They were only released after more than five hours of strenuous diplomatic intervention,” the Ministry said.
The remaining three travellers, the government noted, were deported on the next available flight and have since arrived safely in Ghana.
The government described the actions of the Israeli authorities as “unfairly targeting Ghanaian travellers” and expressed “strong reservations against the humiliating treatment of our citizens at the Ben Gurion International Airport.”
The statement further recalled that Ghana and Israel have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations for over 60 years, characterised by substantial volumes of travel between citizens of both countries without hindrance.
“This condemnable conduct by Israeli authorities is extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations,” the Ministry stressed.
Reacting to explanations offered by Israel, the government rejected claims that the actions were linked to alleged non-cooperation by Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv.
“The justification provided by the Israeli Government being an alleged non-cooperation of our Embassy in the deportation of Ghanaians in Israeli custody [is] totally untenable,” the release said, adding that “facts confirm that our mission in Tel Aviv has been responsive and compliant with international law.”
As part of its response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will summon officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra “to convey our displeasure in the strongest possible terms.”
The government also indicated it is considering “appropriate reciprocal action” in response to the incident.
