Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has condemned the demeaning treatment of Ghanaians abroad, asserting that the black race is not inferior and that Ghana will always defend the dignity of its citizens.

The warning follows an incident on December 7, when several Ghanaian travellers arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport were detained or deported without clear justification. Among them were four members of a Ghanaian parliamentary delegation travelling to Tel Aviv for an international cybersecurity conference. The remaining three were denied entry and deported on the next available flight.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, December 11, Mr Ablakwa condemned reports of Ghanaians facing unfair and dehumanising treatment by Israeli authorities.

“We are all human beings, the black race is not inferior, and we will stand up for our people,” he emphasised.

“This treatment is totally unfair, and we will not accept it. We will not condone such behaviour.”

He explained that when governments feel issues are urgent or responses are slow, they sometimes bypass standard diplomatic channels.

“It happens always,” he said. “When governments think they are not getting the kind of speed or response they want, instead of going through our embassies abroad, they take advantage of their presence in Accra and meet us directly. You can meet me as Minister, my Deputy, my Chief Director, or the Chief of Protocol. There are many officials at the Foreign Ministry you can engage, and we will deal with the issue you are raising.”

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However, Ablakwa stressed there is no justification for subjecting Ghanaian citizens to humiliating treatment.

“How anyone in Israel thought that because you are not getting a travel certificate for people you want to deport, people not related, people with visas to attend conferences, or others going on Christian pilgrimages, you would treat them in such a dehumanising way is totally unacceptable,” he said.

The Minister sent a clear message to Israel and other nations: “Don’t treat Ghanaians dehumanisingly. Don’t undermine our dignity. We are all human beings, and we deserve the same respect that we extend to your nationals when they travel to our country. We expect the same treatment.”

He emphasised that Ghana will always protect its citizens and ensure they are treated with respect abroad.
“The black race is not inferior,” he reiterated. “We will always stand up for our people and ensure that Ghanaians are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”