What did Ghana do to Israel?

We’re Disappointed In Ghana – Israeli Envoy

Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, Roey Gilad, has expressed disappointment over Ghana’s decision to abstain from voting in Vienna on whether Iran is complying with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with selected editors, the ambassador said although Israel respects Ghana’s sovereignty and non-aligned status, he believes it is time for Ghana to reconsider this stance. He urged Ghana to adopt a more independent foreign policy that is not strictly tied to the African Union (AU) or the Non-Aligned Movement, especially as global dynamics continue to evolve.

Despite Israel lobbying Ghana for support, the West African country chose to abstain from the vote. Ambassador Gilad suggested that Ghana’s decision may have been influenced by the AU, which he said is itself influenced by the Arab League.

While acknowledging that Ghana has the right to make its own sovereign decisions, the ambassador noted that Israel considers Ghana one of its closest allies in Africa. He emphasized that Iran’s non-compliance with IAEA regulations is a serious matter for Israel, which views Iran as an existential threat.

He also pointed out that Ghana’s abstention was not necessary, even though the country currently chairs the board where the vote was held. “It is not compulsory for a chair to abstain from voting. I don’t know whether this serves the best interest for Ghana,” he said.

Ambassador Gilad highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Ghana and Israel, especially in agriculture. He noted that many Ghanaians admire Israel, mentioning visible support such as Israeli flags seen on fishing canoes at Accra’s beaches and in marketplaces like Makola. However, he lamented that this public goodwill is not reflected in Ghana’s diplomatic decisions.

On the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he said there is growing resentment among Palestinians toward Hamas, whom many blame for their suffering. He claimed that many Palestinians want Hamas to leave Gaza entirely.

The ambassador’s comments come after the IAEA, for the first time in 20 years, passed a resolution declaring Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations. In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and National Atomic Energy Agency issued a joint statement condemning the vote, describing it as political and damaging to the IAEA’s credibility.