BY Issah Olegor
Israel’s 77th Independence Day was commemorated in Ghana with a vibrant diplomatic reception in Accra, drawing political figures, diplomats, traditional leaders, and members of the clergy.
Held under the theme “Bridges of Hope,” the celebration sought not only to recognize Israel’s resilience and partnerships but also to deliver a strong call for peace, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Gaza.
The event was hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Ghana and saw the attendance of the Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, who represented the government. Other dignitaries included Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, members of the diplomatic corps, and high-ranking traditional rulers.
The gathering underscored Israel’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with Ghana, which dates back to 1956—before Ghana’s independence in 1957—when Israel became one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the West African nation.
Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Roey Gilad, used the occasion to reflect on the enduring partnership between the two countries while acknowledging the challenges that persist.
He cited geographical barriers such as the long flight connections between Ghana and Israel and the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, particularly the war in Gaza, as key hurdles to deepening bilateral engagement.
The Ambassador provided sobering figures on the human toll of the ongoing conflict.
Over 1,200 people have died, and more than 50 hostages are still being held after 578 days of captivity—highlighting the prolonged humanitarian crisis.
He emphasized that the release of hostages by Hamas and the disarmament of the group are essential steps toward peace. “Hamas needs to release our hostages, lay down their weapons, and leave Gaza,” he declared, adding, “578 days of pain and uncertainty not only for the hostages but also for us.”
While the tone of the event was marked by calls for peace and reflection, it also celebrated the contributions of Israeli-Ghanaian cooperation, particularly in areas such as agriculture, health, cybersecurity, and technology.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei commended Israeli companies for their role in creating jobs and advancing economic development in Ghana. He reaffirmed the government’s appreciation for Israel’s technical support and knowledge transfer initiatives, which have notably improved local capacity in modern agriculture and digital innovation.
This year’s commemoration comes at a time when global attention remains focused on the humanitarian and geopolitical crisis in Gaza.
While Israel celebrates its independence and technological progress, the contrast with the conflict underscores the complexity of its regional standing.
However, through diplomatic events such as this, Israel continues to emphasize its intention to build bridges—especially with long-time African partners like Ghana.
