The Government of Ghana has lodged a strong protest with Israel after seven Ghanaian travellers were detained and subjected to what officials described as inhumane and unjustifiable treatment at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the government said it was “appalled at the ill-treatment meted out to Ghanaian nationals travelling to Israel,” expressing serious concern that Ghanaian travellers had been “deliberately targeted and subjected to inhumane and traumatic treatment” since Sunday, December 7, 2025.
According to the Ministry, seven Ghanaians—including four Members of Parliament attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv—were detained at the airport without cause.
They were released only after “more than five hours of strenuous diplomatic intervention.” The Ministry added that the remaining three travellers were deported on the next available flight and have since returned to Ghana.
The government condemned the actions of Israeli authorities as discriminatory and unacceptable.
“The Government of Ghana considers the actions of the Israeli authorities as unfairly targeting Ghanaian travellers and accordingly conveys its strong reservations against the humiliating treatment of our citizens at the Ben Gurion International Airport,” the statement said.
It further criticised the conduct of Israeli officials as “extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations,” noting that Ghana and Israel have enjoyed cordial diplomatic ties and decades of unhindered travel.
Israel has reportedly defended its actions by alleging non-cooperation from Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv regarding deportation procedures. The Ministry rejected this claim as “totally untenable,” insisting that “our mission in Tel Aviv has been responsive and compliant with international law.”
The Ministry is expected to summon officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra today to formally register Ghana’s displeasure “in the strongest possible terms.” It also indicated that the government is considering “appropriate reciprocal action.”
In a post on social media, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s stance, writing: “The Government of Ghana is appalled at the ill-treatment meted out to Ghanaian travellers by Israeli authorities. We strongly protest. Ghana is considering immediate reciprocal action.”
