The Government of Ghana has stronglyy condemned what it describes as the “ill-treatment” and “traumatic” handling of Ghanaian travellers by Israeli authorities at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, calling the actions provocative and unjustifiable.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, 10th December 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said seven Ghanaian nationals travelling to Israel on Sunday, 7th December 2025, were detained at the airport without cause.
Among the detained were four Members of Parliament who were in Israel to participate in the ongoing Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv.
According to the Ministry, the affected travellers were held for more than five hours and released only after “strenuous diplomatic intervention.” The remaining three Ghanaians were not released but rather deported on the next available flight and have since returned to Ghana.
The statement expressed deep concern that Ghanaian travellers appear to be deliberately targeted, stressing that the treatment meted out was “inhumane,” “traumatic,” and inconsistent with long-standing friendly relations between Ghana and Israel.
The Ministry described Israel’s conduct as “extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations,” especially considering the decades of cordial ties and mutual movement of citizens between both countries.
Following internal checks, the Ministry dismissed claims by Israeli authorities that Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv failed to cooperate during the deportation process. It insisted that Ghana’s mission had been fully compliant and responsive in accordance with international law.
As part of immediate diplomatic action, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to summon officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra to demand an explanation and register Ghana’s protest “in the strongest possible terms.” The government has also indicated that it is considering appropriate reciprocal measures in response to the incident.
The statement concludes with a reassurance that Ghana will continue to defend the dignity and safety of its citizens abroad.
