Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly called on the Israeli Ambassador, H.E. Roey Gilad, to respect Ghana’s sovereign right to make independent decisions on international matters.
His statement follows recent public remarks by the Ambassador, who expressed disappointment in Ghana for abstaining from a vote that accused Iran of violating nuclear non-proliferation rules.
During a meeting earlier this week, Mr Ablakwa made it clear that Ghana will not accept external pressure on its foreign policy choices. He said he was disappointed by the Ambassador’s comments, which questioned Ghana’s voting record at international organisations.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s foreign policy decisions are rooted in long-standing principles found in the 1992 Constitution. These include a commitment to peace-building, non-alignment, and respect for international law and multilateralism.
He stressed that Ghana’s votes and diplomatic positions reflect national interest, not alliances or influence from foreign governments. Mr Ablakwa added that Ghana has always maintained a consistent and principled approach to international affairs.
He urged the Ambassador to appreciate and respect Ghana’s right to decide its global stance based on these values. The Minister said Ghana’s reputation for diplomacy, peace-building, and law-abiding international engagement should be protected, not questioned.
The meeting with the Israeli Ambassador was part of a wider diplomatic effort. Mr Ablakwa also met with the Iranian Ambassador earlier in the week to discuss the ongoing Middle East conflict and Ghana’s evacuation plans. The Minister confirmed that the first batch of Ghanaian nationals in Iran has been successfully relocated to Turkey.
He added that arrangements are underway to evacuate those living in Israel as well. These engagements, he said, show Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining a balanced, sovereign foreign policy in times of international tension.
