Ghana Deports 3 Israelis in Retaliation for ‘Inhumane’ Treatment of Citizens

Ghana has taken a bold diplomatic step after accusing Israeli authorities of mistreating and unjustly deporting three Ghanaian travellers. In a firm show of reciprocity, Ghana expelled three Israeli nationals who arrived in Accra on Wednesday—a decision the government described as necessary to defend the dignity of its citizens.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the action in an official statement shared on X by Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto. According to the ministry, the three Israelis landed in Accra earlier in the day, but immigration officials immediately processed their removal after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the earlier deportation of the Ghanaian travellers.

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.” Officials revealed that the travellers from Ghana faced trauma and discriminatory treatment upon arrival at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, prompting Accra to take decisive action.

In response to the brewing dispute, Ghana summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy in Accra, as the ambassador is currently out of the country. Both governments later agreed to seek a peaceful and respectful resolution to the escalating diplomatic tension.

Ghana emphasised that it remains committed to protecting the dignity of its citizens anywhere in the world, while also respecting the rights of other nationals within its borders. “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 statement added.

This diplomatic clash stems from events on December 7, when seven Ghanaian travellers—including four lawmakers attending a cybersecurity conference in Tel Aviv—were detained for several hours at Ben Gurion Airport without clear justification. After prolonged diplomatic intervention, the four lawmakers were eventually released, but the remaining three travellers were deported and sent back to Ghana.

Accra condemned the treatment as “provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent” with the strong bilateral ties both countries have maintained for more than sixty years. The ministry also disputed Israel’s claim that the incident occurred because the Ghanaian Embassy in Tel Aviv allegedly failed to cooperate during the process. Ghana insisted that its mission followed all international protocols and fulfilled every required obligation.

Before ordering the deportation of the Israeli citizens, Ghana had warned that it was reviewing possible reciprocal measures. Wednesday’s action confirmed that the West African nation intended to follow through on its warning.

As of now, Israeli authorities have not issued any public response to Ghana’s decision.