By: Chidozie Nwali
The Republic of Ghana has swiftly deported three Israeli nationals who arrived the West African nation on Wednesday. This move is an act of direct retaliation for what its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes as the “ill-treatment and unjustified deportation” of three Ghanaian citizens by Israeli authorities.
Earlier on Sunday, Ghana foreign ministry said Ghanaian travelers were “deliberately targeted and subjected to inhumane and traumatic treatment”. at Ben Gurion Airport in isreal.
Accusing the Israeli authorities of detaining seven Ghanaian—among them four members of a parliamentary delegation attending an international cybersecurity conference in Tel Aviv—with three ultimately being deported back to Ghana.
In protest of the ill-treatment, authorities at the Israeli Embassy in Accra were immediately summoned to the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the dispute.
“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.” Ghana foreign ministry said.
“The Chargé d’ Affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of the State of Israel was promptly summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considering that the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana is currently out of the jurisdiction. Both Govemments have agreed to resolve the matter amicably.” Ghana foreign ministry said.
The Ghanaian government is asserting a zero-tolerance policy for perceived mistreatment of its citizens, signaling to international partners that the dignity and respect afforded to foreign nationals in Ghana must be reciprocated abroad.
In 1957 after Ghana independence, Israel and Ghana established diplomatic relationship; however, following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, Ghana, along with other African countries, cut ties with Tel Aviv. The relationship was restored in 1994 and have since included torrism, business travels and mutual cooperation.
