Why Israel deported three Ghanaians: A brief explainer
Within the last 24 hours, Ghana and Israel have been at the center of international attention as six decades of diplomatic relations were shaken by deportations from Tel Aviv and corresponding counter-deportations from Accra, applied exactly to the number of affected individuals.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed in an interview on Accra-based JoyFM this morning that the Israeli diplomatic mission has since conveyed apologies and called for de-escalation for its earlier actions, which included the deportation of three Ghanaians and the temporary detention of a Ghanaian parliamentary delegation at Ben Gurion International Airport. The delegation was eventually allowed entry after an extensive five-hour backdoor diplomatic intervention.
The minister sent a firm message to the world, making it clear that Ghana will respond to any action it deems unlawful or dehumanizing toward its citizens. The response toward Israel, a longstanding partner, particularly in defence and intelligence, demonstrated Ghana’s readiness to assert its sovereignty and protect its nationals.
According to Minister Ablakwa, Israel’s justification for the deportations and the inconvenience caused to the parliamentary delegation was the alleged non-cooperation of Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv in issuing travel certificates for six individuals slated for deportation. In tandem with international practices, countries issue Emergency Travel Certificates to their nationals who are being deported from other countries after it has agreed to receives the deportees.
However, following a thorough investigation, the minister indicated that the Israeli authorities did not have their facts right about the six individuals it wanted to deport to Ghana
Case-by-case review of the six individuals:
Non-Ghanaian on the list: One individual was a Gabonese national, not a Ghanaian, according to the minister. Deporting a foreign national under the pretext that they were Ghanaian raises serious human rights concerns hence it
Medical concerns: Another individual was seriously ill. Israeli doctors confirmed that she was unfit to travel and required care before being put on a flight, making her deportation inhumane.
Travel certificate already issued: One individual had already been cleared for deportation, with a travel certificate issued by Ghana’s diplomatic mission; however, the Israeli authority claimed the Ghana mission in Tel Aviv had not issued a travel certificate yet. This demonstrated that the embassy had fully cooperated, contrary to Israel’s claims.
Embassy unaware: Another individual who had been arrested and detained had not even been formally communicated to the Ghanaian Embassy for travel certificate. Ghana’s diplomats had no official knowledge of the arrest or Israel’s intention to deport, further highlighting procedural lapses on Israel’s part.
For the other two left, he did not comment on that, which leaves it unclear if their travel certificates had been rightly requested and met non-cooperation from the Ghanaian Embassy in Tel Aviv or if there is another story to their detainment.
Minister Ablakwa emphasized that even if Israel had reasons to deport these individuals, proper diplomatic protocols should have been followed. Direct communication with the Ghanaian embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra would have been the appropriate course of action, rather than taking unilateral measures that undermined the dignity of Ghanaian citizens.
Ghana’s response was not merely a display of sovereignty but a clear signal that nations from the Global South will not be intimidated by global powers. The minister underscored that every Ghanaian deserves equal respect, as do citizens of all countries, and reaffirmed that the black race is not inferior.
Israel has since apologized for its actions and called for de-escalation, highlighting the importance of proper communication and adherence to diplomatic protocols in managing sensitive international issues.
Related Posts
