Keypoints:
- Ghana deports three Israeli nationals
- Minister confirms reciprocal action
- Both states move to resolve dispute
GHANA has deported three Israeli nationals in response to the removal of three Ghanaian citizens from Israel, in what Accra calls the ‘ill-treatment and unjustified deportation’ of its nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision on December 10, saying Ghana acted to defend the dignity of its citizens and uphold the standards it expects for foreign nationals in the country.
In an official release, the ministry stated: ‘Following the ill-treatment and unjustified deportation of three Ghanaian nationals by Israeli authorities, the Government of Ghana has been compelled to retaliate by deporting three Israelis who arrived in Ghana earlier today.’
The statement said preliminary reports from Ghana’s representatives monitoring the incident in Israel indicated that the Ghanaians were removed without clear justification.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa separately confirmed the decision and the diplomatic context in a public post on his Facebook account, writing: ‘The Government of Ghana has been compelled to activate appropriate reciprocal action by deporting three Israelis who arrived in Ghana earlier today following the ill-treatment and unwarranted deportation of three Ghanaians. Both Governments have now agreed to an amicable resolution.’
The ministry framed the decision as a direct response intended to demonstrate Ghana’s expectation of parity in its diplomatic relationships.
Israel diplomat summoned
According to the ministry, the Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of Israel in Accra was summoned for discussions regarding the incident. The ambassador is currently outside the country, prompting officials to seek clarity from the deputy head of mission.
The ministry stated: ‘The Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of the State of Israel was promptly summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs… Both Governments have agreed to resolve the matter amicably.’
Officials described the talks as constructive, with both sides signalling that they do not wish to escalate tensions.
No additional details were provided about the circumstances under which the Ghanaians were deported from Israel, but the ministry’s language suggests it considers the incident a breach of expected diplomatic conduct.
Ghana stresses protection of citizens
In its release, the government emphasised that it would continue to defend its citizens abroad, saying: ‘The Government of Ghana will continue to safeguard the dignity of its nationals and also that of other nationals.’
It added that Ghana’s expectation is that friendly nations treat Ghanaian citizens with the same respect afforded to their own nationals in Ghana.
‘Ghana deeply values our relations with all friendly countries and expects our citizens to be treated with dignity and respect in much the same way as other governments expect Ghana to treat their nationals,’ the ministry noted.
Governments agree on diplomatic resolution
While the exchange marks a rare dispute between the two governments, the language of both the minister and the ministry suggests there has already been a significant move towards settlement. Ghana said further diplomatic engagement will continue when the Israeli ambassador returns to Accra.
The ministry confirmed that discussions aim to prevent similar incidents and restore normal cooperation, noting that both governments are committed to an ‘amicable’ conclusion.
