Ghana’s government has condemned what it called the “inhumane and traumatic treatment” of its citizens at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, after seven Ghanaian travelers were detained and three deported earlier this week.
In a statement Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “deeply concerned that since Sunday, December 7, Ghanaian travellers have been deliberately targeted and subjected to inhumane and traumatic treatment.”
Officials said four of those detained were members of a parliamentary delegation attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv. They were released after more than five hours following “strenuous diplomatic intervention.” The remaining three travelers were deported on the next available flight and have since returned to Ghana.
The government described the actions of Israeli authorities as “unfairly targeting Ghanaian travellers” and said it conveyed “strong reservations against the humiliating treatment of its citizens.”
Ghana dismissed Israel’s justification for the deportations which alleged non-cooperation by the Ghanaian Embassy in Tel Aviv as “totally untenable,” insisting the embassy has always acted in compliance with international law.
The ministry noted that Ghana and Israel have maintained cordial relations for more than six decades, with extensive unimpeded travel by citizens of both countries.
Officials said the Israeli Embassy in Accra will be summoned “to convey Ghana’s displeasure in the strongest possible terms.” The government added it is considering “appropriate reciprocal action.”
