Ghana Responds to Israel With Reciprocal Deportations After MPs Detained in Tel Aviv

Ghana has deported three Israeli nationals in a swift reciprocal action after what it described as the ill-treatment and unjustified deportation of three Ghanaians by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday that the decision followed the detention of seven Ghanaian travellers on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Among them were four Members of Parliament who had travelled to attend the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv.

The remaining three Ghanaians were placed on the next available flight and have since returned home.

In a statement, the Ministry explained, “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.”

The Ministry added that the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Israeli Embassy had been summoned, as the Ambassador was outside the country, noting that both sides had agreed to work towards an amicable resolution.

The government condemned the conduct of Israeli authorities at the port of entry, saying it had observed with serious concern what appeared to be deliberate targeting and inhumane treatment of Ghanaian travellers since December 7. According to the Ministry, the detained Ghanaian delegation was released only after more than five hours of intense diplomatic intervention.

The Ministry dismissed Israel’s claim that the deportations were linked to alleged non-cooperation by Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv in handling the removal of Ghanaians in Israeli custody. It described the explanation as completely untenable and insisted the mission had been responsive and compliant with international law.

While reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to its long-standing diplomatic relationship with Israel, the Ministry stressed that the country would not tolerate disrespect toward its nationals. “Ghana values its relations with all friendly states and expects its citizens to be treated with dignity and respect, just as other governments expect Ghana to treat their nationals,” the statement noted.

The Ministry highlighted that Ghana and Israel have enjoyed more than six decades of cordial relations, including significant visa-free travel between the two countries. It however described the recent actions of Israeli authorities as extremely provocative, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the friendly ties both nations have maintained.

Although both governments have agreed to pursue an amicable settlement, the Ministry confirmed that Ghana is considering further reciprocal measures if the situation continues.