Ablakwa Defends Ghana Amid Diplomatic Tensions with Israel, Says “The Black Race Is Not Inferior”

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a strong statement defending the dignity of Ghanaians and Africans worldwide following a diplomatic dispute between Ghana and Israel. The tensions arose after several Ghanaian travellers, including members of Parliament, were detained or denied entry upon arrival in Israel under circumstances the government described as disrespectful and unwarranted.

The incident, which gained national attention, involved four Ghanaian MPs who were travelling to Israel to participate in a cybersecurity conference. Upon arrival, they were detained by Israeli immigration officials and subjected to extended questioning before being released. In the same period, three other Ghanaian citizens were denied entry altogether and deported without what Ghana’s authorities considered a reasonable explanation or due process.

Addressing the matter publicly, Minister Ablakwa described the treatment of the Ghanaian nationals as “dehumanising and unacceptable,” stressing that Ghana would not allow its citizens to be disrespected in any part of the world. He emphasised that the black race is not inferior to anyone and that Ghana will always stand up firmly when its people are mistreated abroad.

According to the Minister, the government took the situation seriously from the moment the reports emerged. Ghana’s diplomatic mission engaged Israeli authorities immediately, seeking explanations and demanding accountability for what it viewed as an unnecessary show of hostility toward Ghanaians who had complied with all travel and security requirements. Ablakwa made it clear that the government had no intention of allowing such behaviour to pass without consequences.

A Firm Diplomatic Response

As tensions heightened, Ghana responded with a reciprocal action a standard practice in diplomatic relations when one country believes its citizens have been unjustly treated by another. Three Israeli nationals who arrived in Ghana in the days following the incident were repatriated upon arrival. Ablakwa explained that the decision was taken to send a clear message that Ghana expects the same level of respect it extends to foreign nationals within its borders.

He stressed that reciprocity is a recognised and legitimate diplomatic tool, especially when one country’s citizens face unfair or discriminatory treatment abroad. According to him, Ghana’s action was not meant to escalate conflict but to affirm the nation’s dignity and sovereignty.

Rejecting Allegations of Diplomatic Lapses

Some reports had suggested that the Ghanaian embassy in Israel failed to cooperate with Israeli officials regarding the travel arrangements of the Ghanaian delegation. However, Ablakwa firmly dismissed these claims, describing them as inaccurate and misleading. He clarified that Ghana had followed all required diplomatic and immigration procedures and that any attempt to shift blame onto Ghanaian authorities was unfounded.

He noted that the affected MPs were on an official state-related trip and had complied with all travel protocols. Thus, there was no legitimate justification for the manner in which they were handled upon arrival.

Israel Issues an Apology

In the aftermath of Ghana’s diplomatic response, Israeli authorities engaged with Ghanaian officials to address the escalating concerns. During these discussions, Israel expressed regret over the incident and offered an apology. The apology, according to Ablakwa, was a step in the right direction and reflected Israel’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of the matter.

The Minister emphasised that while the apology was appreciated, Ghana would continue to monitor how its citizens are treated abroad and would not hesitate to act whenever their dignity is compromised. He insisted that Ghana values its diplomatic relationships but will always prioritise the safety and respect of its people.

A Wider Conversation About Dignity and Respect

Beyond the immediate diplomatic dispute, Ablakwa used the opportunity to highlight ongoing issues regarding how African travellers are sometimes treated in certain parts of the world. He argued that the incident should spark a broader global conversation about fairness, equality, and respect for all people regardless of race or nationality.

He noted that Ghana, like many African nations, has a long history of peaceful international relations and consistently treats foreign nationals with respect. Therefore, Ghana expects nothing less for its own citizens abroad.

Moving Forward

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it will continue to engage Israel through diplomatic channels to ensure that similar incidents do not reoccur. Both countries have expressed a desire to maintain strong bilateral relations, and efforts are underway to rebuild trust following the episode.

For many Ghanaians, the firm stance taken by the government is a reassuring signal that the nation is prepared to defend its people on the global stage. The incident has also renewed national conversations about African identity, global respect, and the responsibility of governments to safeguard the dignity of their citizens.

In closing his statement, Ablakwa reaffirmed that Ghana will always stand up for its people, no matter where they are in the world. “The black race is not inferior,” he declared. “Ghanaians deserve respect everywhere, and we will protect their dignity without compromise.”