Ghana condemns 'inhumane' treatment of travellers at Israel airport

On Wed, Oct 18, 2023, the Republic of Ghana issued a formal statement regarding the treatment of its citizens at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration reported that several Ghanaian travellers experienced detention or deportation since Sun, Oct 15, 2023.

The ministry highlighted that seven Ghanaian nationals were detained at the airport without clear justification. This group included four members of a parliamentary delegation who were in Israel to attend an international cybersecurity conference in Tel Aviv. These individuals were released following diplomatic efforts.

The remaining three travellers were deported and have since returned to Ghana.

The Ghanaian foreign ministry characterized the actions of the Israeli authorities as provocative and inconsistent with the historical relations between the two countries. Plans were announced to summon officials from the Israeli Embassy in Accra to formally convey Ghana's position. The ministry also mentioned the possibility of considering reciprocal actions, despite the longstanding diplomatic ties established in 1957.

Based on reporting by Africanews.