Ghana slams Israel after citizens detained and deported at Ben Gurion Airport
Ghana has protested to Israel after seven citizens, including MPs, were detained and some deported at Ben Gurion Airport, calling the treatment humiliating and warning of possible reciprocal action.
Ghana has formally protested after several of its citizens were detained and deported at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, describing the incidents as “humiliating and unacceptable”.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said seven Ghanaians travelling to Israel on December 7 were subjected to harsh treatment, including prolonged detention and forced deportation.
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The ministry said four of those affected were members of a parliamentary delegation attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv.
“The government has observed with great concern that since Sunday, December 7, 2025, Ghanaian travellers have been deliberately targeted and subjected to inhumane and traumatic treatment,” the statement, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, reads.
“Seven Ghanaian travellers to Israel were detained at the Ben Gurion International Airport without justifiable cause. The detained included four members of a Parliamentary delegation taking part in the ongoing Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv.”
Intense diplomatic engagement
The ministry said those detained were only released after more than five hours of intense diplomatic engagement.
“The remaining three travellers were deported on the next available flight and have since returned to Ghana,” the ministry said.
Ghanaian officials described the incidents as deliberate targeting of their citizens and rejected Israel’s explanation that the situation arose from alleged non-cooperation by Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv.
“Ghana and Israel have enjoyed cordial relations for more than six decades, with considerably high volumes of unimpeded travel by citizens of both nations. This condemnable conduct by Israeli authorities is extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations,” the ministry said.
“We find the justification provided by the Israeli government, being an alleged non-cooperation of our embassy in the deportation of Ghanaians in Israeli custody, as totally untenable, as the facts confirm that our mission in Tel Aviv has been responsive and compliant with international law.”
The ministry added that it will summon Israeli diplomats in Accra to express its strong displeasure over the incident and that the government of Ghana is considering possible retaliatory measures.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra to convey our displeasure in the strongest possible terms. Meanwhile, the government of Ghana is considering appropriate reciprocal action,” the statement says.
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