By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has dismissed concerns that ongoing tensions in the Middle East could negatively impact Ghana, insisting that the long-standing relationship between the two countries remains strong and unaffected by recent geopolitical developments.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on April 13, 2026, Ambassador Gilad stated that there is no basis to suggest that current conflicts involving Israel and other regional actors would strain diplomatic ties with Ghana.
His comments come amid ongoing political debate within Ghana, particularly claims by elements within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that global tensions could have economic and diplomatic consequences for the country.
According to the Ambassador, Ghana and Israel share a historic relationship that dates back to 1957, when Ghana gained independence under Kwame Nkrumah.
He emphasised that this long-standing partnership has endured through various global developments and continues to be anchored in mutual respect, cooperation and goodwill.
“There is no reason to believe that recent developments will strain relations. The friendship since 1957 is there to stay. We enjoy a lot of support among Ghanaians,” he stated during the interview.
The Ambassador’s remarks were also in response to questions about whether Israel’s foreign policy positions—particularly its reported refusal to support calls for the transatlantic slave trade to be declared the gravest crime against humanity—could create diplomatic tensions with Ghana.
However, he maintained that such differences do not undermine the broader relationship between the two nations.
Over the years, Ghana and Israel have maintained cooperation across multiple sectors, including agriculture, security, technology and education.
Ambassador Gilad noted that this collaboration extends beyond bilateral relations into international platforms, where both countries engage on issues of global importance.
He highlighted the role in multilateral diplomacy and indicated that the two countries continue to work together on security-related matters and global governance discussions.
He also pointed to cooperation in areas such as international nuclear oversight, stressing the importance of maintaining global safety standards.
The comments come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East involving Israel, Iran and other global actors, which have sparked concerns globally about potential economic and political ripple effects.
In Ghana, the debate has been further fueled by recent warnings from President John Dramani Mahama, who cautioned that an escalation of the conflict could disrupt global oil supplies and increase the cost of living.
Despite these concerns, Ambassador Gilad insisted that Ghana–Israel relations remain stable and are not threatened by the current situation in the Middle East.
He reiterated that both countries are committed to strengthening their partnership and advancing cooperation in areas of shared interest.
