ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana’s government has condemned what it called the “inhumane” treatment of its citizens at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, after several travellers were detained or deported since Sunday.
Incident Details
- Ghana’s foreign ministry said travellers were “deliberately targeted” and subjected to “traumatic” and “humiliating” treatment.
- Seven citizens were detained, including four MPs attending a cybersecurity conference in Tel Aviv.
- The MPs were released after diplomatic intervention, but three other travellers were deported back to Ghana.
Diplomatic Response
The ministry described Israeli authorities’ conduct as “extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations.”
- Ghana plans to summon Israeli embassy officials in Accra.
- Reciprocal measures are being considered despite the countries’ traditionally cordial ties.
Background
Ghana and Israel first established diplomatic relations in 1957. The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of airport security practices and their impact on international relations.