A major diplomatic rift has erupted between Accra and Tel Aviv. The Ghanaian government has formally condemned the “inhumane” treatment of its citizens at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
Tensions boiled over on Wednesday following incidents that began earlier in the week.
In a strongly worded statement, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Israeli security officials of misconduct. The Ministry claimed travelers were subjected to “traumatic” and “humiliating” ordeals.
The government asserts that Ghanaian nationals were “deliberately targeted” for harassment.
MPs Detained, Travelers Deported
The dispute centers on the detention of seven citizens. Officials say they were held “without justifiable cause.”
This incident sparked outrage because the group included high-ranking leaders. Four members of a parliamentary delegation were among those detained. They had traveled to Tel Aviv for an international cybersecurity conference.
Diplomatic intervention eventually secured the lawmakers’ release after several hours. However, others were not as lucky. Three additional travelers were summarily deported and have since returned to Ghana.
‘Extremely Provocative’ Behavior
The Foreign Ministry slammed the conduct of the Israeli authorities.
It described the actions as “extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations.”
This incident marks a sharp departure from the norm. The two nations have maintained warm ties since establishing diplomatic relations in 1957.
Threat of Retaliation
The diplomatic fallout is set to escalate in Accra.
The government announced plans to summon officials from the Israeli Embassy on Wednesday. They intend to formally register their “displeasure.”
Furthermore, Ghana issued a stern warning. Despite decades of cooperation, the government is now considering “reciprocal measures” in response to the aggressive profiling of its citizens.
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