International Relations expert Dr. Ishmael Hlovor has cautioned that the recent maltreatment of Ghanaian citizens at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport could signal deeper tensions between the two countries. The incident involved a parliamentary delegation from Ghana, raising concerns about the state of bilateral ties.
“If the Israelis are going to deny them entry and detain them, that calls into question some aspect of our relationship with Israel, particularly in terms of migration management,” Dr. Hlovor said.
Speaking on Morning Target with Bright Amfoh on Bullet TV, Dr Hlovor drew parallels between Israel’s actions and the United States’ earlier decision to impose visa restrictions on Ghana.
“This will look like the pattern that the US used to get a deal out of Ghana in terms of migration,” he explained.
Dr. Hlovor emphasized that Ghana’s government must move beyond media statements and prioritize diplomacy to restore relations with Israel. He argued that sustained engagement, rather than reactive communication, will be key to repairing trust and ensuring smoother cooperation in the future.
The controversy follows a December 7, 2025, incident at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, where seven Ghanaian nationals including four Members of Parliament on an official delegation to Tel Aviv’s Annual International Cybersecurity Conference were detained upon arrival. According to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation was released only after more than five hours of diplomatic intervention, while three other travellers were deported on the next available flight back to Accra. The government described the treatment as “inhumane and traumatic” and lodged a formal protest, and intentions to summon Israel’s embassy officials in Accra.
