Ghana Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Airport Detention of MPs | By David Kwakutse
Government condemns ‘humiliating’ treatment of seven Ghanaian travellers at Ben Gurion Airport, including four MPs attending a cybersecurity conference.
The Government of Ghana is expected to summon the Israeli Ambassador to Accra following what it describes as the humiliating, unjustified, and provocative detention of Ghanaian citizens, among them four Members of Parliament, at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the government said it was appalled by the deliberate targeting of Ghanaian nationals on Sunday, December 7, 2025, during routine entry procedures in Tel Aviv.
According to the Ministry, seven Ghanaian travellers, including four MPs who were officially invited to attend the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference, were detained for several hours without cause. Their release was secured only after more than five hours of diplomatic intervention by Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv.
The remaining three Ghanaian travellers were denied entry entirely and placed on the next available return flight. They have since arrived back in Ghana.
Government sources described the incident as a serious breach of diplomatic norms and “inconsistent with the warm, cooperative relations Ghana and Israel have maintained for over six decades. Officials emphasised that Ghana has treated Israeli citizens with respect and expects reciprocal treatment of its nationals.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry rejected Israel’s claims that Ghana’s Embassy failed to cooperate, leading to the deportations. The statement labelled this assertion as “untenable” and maintained that Ghana’s Mission acted in full compliance with international law and standard diplomatic procedures.
The detentions occurred amid heightened security operations at Ben Gurion Airport. However, the Ghanaian government insists that security considerations do not justify singling out travellers for prolonged detention and deportation without explanation.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it will formally summon officials of the Israeli Embassy in Accra to convey Ghana’s displeasure and seek assurances that such incidents will not recur.
The incident has sparked widespread public concern, with many questioning the growing pattern of African travellers facing extended screening or deportation at Western and Middle Eastern airports.
Aviation analysts warn that such diplomatic tensions—if unresolved—could impact travel demand, investor confidence, and bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Israel.
The Ministry said Ghana remains committed to maintaining constructive relations with Israel but expects its citizens to be treated with dignity and fairness whenever they travel abroad.
Ghana Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Airport Detention of MPs | AviationGhana
