Ghana has taken the unusual step of deporting three Israeli nationals in response to what Accra described as mistreatment and unjustified removal of Ghanaian citizens at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. The reciprocal deportations follow diplomatic tensions after several Ghanaian travelers, including members of a parliamentary delegation, were detained and in some cases expelled upon arrival in Israel earlier this month.
The action was announced by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which summoned the acting head of Israel’s embassy in Accra to register formal displeasure while the Israeli ambassador was out of the country. Ghana’s government said the deportations were compelled by a need to safeguard the dignity of its citizens and underscore the expectation that visitors from friendly nations must be treated with mutual respect. The row began when seven Ghanaian nationals were detained at the airport without clear cause while travelling to Israel for various activities, including participation in an international cybersecurity conference. Four of those affected were lawmakers whose detention prompted diplomatic engagement before their eventual release, while three others were sent back to Ghana. Ghana’s response aims to preserve bilateral ties while also ensuring its nationals are treated fairly abroad.
Both governments have indicated a preference for resolving the matter through diplomatic channels, with discussions underway to ease tensions and prevent further escalation. The incident adds complexity to what have historically been cordial relations between the two countries, dating back to the establishment of formal ties in 1957.
