Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has strongly criticised what he describes as the demeaning treatment of Ghanaian nationals abroad, insisting that Ghana will not tolerate any actions that undermine the dignity of its citizens or suggest racial inferiority.

His comments follow an incident on December 7, when several Ghanaians were detained or deported upon arrival at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Among those affected were four members of a Ghanaian parliamentary delegation travelling to Tel Aviv for an international cybersecurity conference. While four were eventually granted entry, three others were denied access and deported on the next available flight, despite holding valid travel documents.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, December 11, Mr Ablakwa described the reported treatment of the Ghanaian travellers as unacceptable and dehumanising.

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

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ghana expects its citizens to be treated with the same respect it extends to foreign nationals entering the country. He stressed that diplomatic disagreements or administrative concerns cannot justify humiliating treatment of travellers.

Mr Ablakwa explained that while governments may sometimes bypass traditional diplomatic channels to seek faster resolutions, this does not excuse the abuse or intimidation of innocent travellers.

“When governments feel they are not receiving timely responses, they may engage officials directly here in Accra myself, my deputy, the Chief Director, or the Chief of Protocol. That is acceptable. But there is absolutely no justification for treating people in a dehumanising manner,” he said.

He expressed particular concern that individuals with valid visas including conference delegates and Christian pilgrims were allegedly subjected to harsh treatment simply because of documentation issues unrelated to them.

“How anyone could think that because of delays in travel certificates, people who have no connection to those issues should be treated this way is totally unacceptable,” he added.

The Minister sent a firm message to Israel and the international community, warning against any form of discrimination or disrespect toward Ghanaian citizens.

“Do not treat Ghanaians dehumanisingly. Do not undermine our dignity. We respect your citizens when they come to Ghana, and we expect the same treatment for our people,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they may be, stressing that the government will continue to engage diplomatically to ensure Ghanaians are treated fairly and with dignity across the world.