An Israeli official has refuted claims that Israel issued an apology to Ghana over the deportation of three Ghanaian nationals, describing the matter as a “consular problem” to be handled quietly through diplomatic channels.
The official noted that Israel had raised the issue with Ghana on multiple occasions and emphasized that such matters are typically resolved discreetly between “two friendly and mature states.”
The statement contradicts remarks by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said that Israeli authorities had apologised and that both countries were working to de-escalate tensions. Ablakwa reiterated that Ghana remains firm in ensuring fair treatment for its citizens abroad.
“We made it clear that Ghana will respond decisively to any unjustified treatment of our citizens,” he said.
The diplomatic disagreement arose after three Ghanaians were deported from Israel under what Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described as “unacceptable circumstances.” According to the Ministry’s statement on December 10, two of the individuals were in Israel to attend a cybersecurity conference, while the third was on pilgrimage.
Ghana considered the removals unjustified and responded by deporting three Israeli nationals from the country.
Despite the tension, both Ghana and Israel have indicated a preference to resolve the matter through established diplomatic procedures.
