The ongoing diplomatic fallout between Ghana and Israel has drawn a sharp rebuke from the Minority in Parliament, with the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, cautioning the government against escalating tensions through public commentary.
Following the reciprocal deportation of citizens – a move that saw Ghana deport three Israelis in direct retaliation for the alleged “inhumane treatment,” of Ghanaian nationals in Tel Aviv – Hon. Jinapor urged the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to immediately adopt a more discreet and strategic approach.
“Any effort by the Government of Ghana to protect the interests of Ghanaians abroad and safeguard the dignity of Ghanaians should be welcomed. The Minority welcomes such effort by the government to defend the rights of our citizens abroad”
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee
While affirming the Minority’s support for the protection of Ghanaian citizens abroad, he emphasized that the national interest demanded “sound judgement, prudence and measured engagement,” rather than a high-profile public row.
Hon. Jinapor’s primary concern revolves around the Foreign Minister’s perceived public posture, which he fears is needlessly inflaming an already sensitive bilateral dispute.
The tensions escalated after the Foreign Ministry issued a formal protest alleging that Ghanaian travelers, including members of a parliamentary delegation attending a cybersecurity conference, were “deliberately targeted and subjected to inhumane and traumatic treatment,” at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
The Minister subsequently announced the reciprocal deportation of three Israelis.
The Damongo lawmaker warned that the public nature of the Minister’s handling of the crisis risks jeopardizing Ghana’s broader foreign policy standing. He argued that the Minister’s “conduct and public row… is becoming one too many,” and pointed to the incident now involving an apology and denial by the Israeli Embassy as evidence of potentially embarrassing diplomatic engagement.
“It is important that we call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to take the path of quiet, calm and strategic diplomacy in dealing with some of these matters”
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee
He insisted that the response to such sensitive international disputes must be channeled primarily through appropriate, confidential diplomatic channels, rather than through provocative public statements that could be detrimental to the nation.
Preserving a Six-Decade Partnership
Hon. Jinapor placed the current diplomatic tussle within the context of a long and historically significant bilateral relationship.
He reminded the government that Ghana and Israel have maintained diplomatic ties for over six decades, noting that Ghana was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to formalize relations with Israel in 1956 – an act of strategic importance cemented by an Israeli consulate established prior to Ghana’s independence in 1957.
Although relations were severed following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, they were formally restored in 1994, leading to robust cooperation in various sectors. Hon. Jinapor argued that this rich history makes it imperative for the government to preserve Ghana’s credibility as a nation known for balanced and principled foreign policy engagement on the global stage.
“Ghana’s foreign policy response must be guided,” he affirmed, calling for a measured approach that recognizes the long-term strategic value of the relationship.
Concluding his warning, the Ranking Member confirmed that the Minority will not allow the matter to rest outside of the legislative oversight. They intend to raise the issue on the floor of Parliament to compel the Minister of Foreign Affairs to account for his actions and provide a detailed strategic roadmap for de-escalating the crisis.
The Minority’s move is a clear assertion that the delicate balance of Ghana’s foreign policy must be managed with extreme care, ensuring that the defense of citizens’ dignity does not unnecessarily undermine decades of strategic diplomatic engagement.
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