How an airport detention escalated into a Ghana–Israel stand-off
Ghana has expelled three Israeli citizens after accusing Israeli authorities of mistreating and unjustly deporting several Ghanaians who arrived in Tel Aviv last week.
The tension began on 7 December when a group of Ghanaians, including four members of a parliamentary delegation travelling for a cybersecurity conference, landed at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. They were detained upon arrival, and three were later denied entry and sent back to Ghana.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as “traumatic,” suggesting the travellers were unfairly singled out.
On 10 December, the ministry announced that three Israeli nationals who had recently entered Ghana were ordered to leave the country. The government said the expulsions were meant to signal that Ghana would not tolerate the mistreatment of its citizens in any country.
Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey shared the decision publicly, saying the government had been “compelled” to act after reviewing the circumstances at the Israeli airport.
Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Accra was summoned, as the ambassador was outside the country at the time. Ghana says both sides are now engaged in discussions to resolve the matter and prevent further escalation.
While stressing that its relationship with Israel remains important, Ghana reiterated that visitors from friendly nations must be treated with the same respect the country expects for Ghanaians travelling abroad.
The episode has introduced a new strain into Ghana–Israel relations, with both governments now working to ease tensions and restore normal diplomatic engagement.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
