In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, strongly condemned the actions of Israeli authorities, revealing that seven Ghanaian nationals were detained upon arrival in Tel Aviv on Sunday, December 7, without any legitimate cause.

Four of the detainees were MPs attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference. They were held for more than five hours and released only after “strenuous diplomatic intervention.” The remaining three travellers were deported on the next available flight and have since returned to Ghana.

Describing the incident as a deliberate targeting of Ghanaian citizens, the Ministry labelled the actions of Israeli authorities as “extremely provocative, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.”

The Ministry also rejected Israel’s claim that the incident resulted from alleged non-cooperation by Ghana’s Embassy in Tel Aviv during deportation procedures.

“Our mission has remained fully responsive and compliant with international law, making Israel’s justification untenable,” the statement said.

The government added that it is considering appropriate reciprocal measures if Israel fails to address Ghana’s concerns satisfactorily.

READ ALSO:

• Kpandai re-run: Minority’s tactics ‘backfired’ – Ayariga
• Nana B criticises govt over rising tariffs, worsening living conditions
• FDA sensitises herbal medicine manufacturers in Ahafo Region

The incident happened at around 13:00 local time (18:00 BST) on Sunday.

Officers from the US Secret Service extinguished the flames before the man was taken to hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries, the city’s fire department reported.

The Washington police department is investigating alongside the Secret Service and other relevant authorities.

A bomb disposal unit was sent to the sight over concerns about a suspicious vehicle that could have been connected to the individual.

This was later declared safe after no hazardous materials were found.

No embassy staff members were injured in the incident, a spokeswoman for the embassy told the New York Times.

It is not the first time someone has self-immolated in front of an Israeli diplomatic mission in the US.

In December, a protester set themselves on fire in front of the Israeli consulate in the US state of Georgia.

Police said the demonstrator used petrol, and a Palestinian flag was found at the scene on that occasion.

ALSO READ:

• Policeman fires gun and assaults civilians at Kaneshie [Photos+Video]

• Fire destroys NPP Chairman’s 15-bedroom house [Photos]