Ghana Protests Israel Over Detention of Officials at Tel Aviv Airport

Ghana has lodged a formal protest against Israel after seven of its citizens were detained at Ben Gurion International Airport last Sunday. Among those held were four members of a parliamentary delegation attending an international cybersecurity conference.

The lawmakers were reportedly held for over five hours despite presenting valid credentials. They were only released after intervention by Ghanaian diplomatic officials in Tel Aviv, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.

Three other Ghanaian travelers were deported on the next available flight. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra described their treatment as “unjustifiable and humiliating,” stressing that it breached international norms.

Accra accused Israeli authorities of deliberately profiling Ghanaian passport holders and subjecting them to unnecessarily prolonged and traumatic interrogation procedures. The ministry labeled the incident provocative and unacceptable.

Israel defended the detentions by claiming non-cooperation from Ghana’s embassy regarding deportation procedures. Ghana rejected this explanation, insisting its embassy had acted fully in line with international protocols.

The government confirmed it would summon Israeli representatives to register its formal protest in Accra. Authorities also warned that reciprocal measures could be considered, including possible impacts on travel and visa arrangements.

Ghana emphasized that the incident threatens over six decades of cordial relations with Israel, which have included religious pilgrimages, security cooperation, and regular travel exchanges.

The Ministry concluded by reaffirming its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad, signaling that further diplomatic action may follow to safeguard the country’s citizens and preserve longstanding bilateral relations.