Israeli Ambassador Calls for Deeper Bilateral Ties with Ghana at 77th Independence Anniversary Celebration
Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, H.E. Roey Gilad, has called for the deepening of bilateral relations between Israel and Ghana, describing the longstanding partnership between the two countries as resilient but not without challenges.
Delivering an address at the 77th Independence Anniversary celebration of the State of Israel in Accra on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, Ambassador Gilad recounted the historic ties between the two nations dating back to 1956 – one year before Ghana’s own independence – and called for increased cooperation across sectors including agriculture, cybersecurity, education, and sports.
“Israel is proud of our long-standing relations with Ghana, which began with the opening of an office here in Accra in 1956, one year before Ghana achieved its independence. In 1957, this office became the first Israeli embassy in Africa,” he said.
Highlighting the theme of the celebration, “Bridges of Hope,” the Ambassador noted that while relations were severed following the 1973 October War due to a resolution by the Organisation of African Unity, ties were restored in 2011, ushering in a renewed phase of cooperation.
Despite current geopolitical tensions and economic difficulties, including the ongoing war in Israel and Ghana’s 2022 economic crisis, he underscored Israel’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with Ghana.
“The bilateral relations between Ghana and Israel have not been without challenges. But we are leaning on many opportunities, including the great popular support in Ghana for Israel,” he stated, citing anecdotal references such as the visible presence of Israeli flags in local markets and fishing communities.
Ambassador Gilad revealed ongoing collaboration efforts in less conventional areas, including the arts and sports, disclosing that Ghana’s U-15 football team recently won a friendly tournament in Israel.
“In football, dozens of Ghanaian players – men and women alike – are playing in Israel. And on top, the Ghana U-15 team recently beat Israeli sides to win a friendly tournament,” he remarked, adding that discussions are underway to get the Black Stars to play a match in Israel.
In the education sector, he announced that for the first time, an Israeli professor is expected to conduct a seminar on contemporary Israel in a Ghanaian university, a move he believes will generate significant interest among students.
Touching on somber matters, the Ambassador paid tribute to the victims of the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, which claimed 1,200 lives and left 59 hostages still in captivity in Gaza after more than 500 days.
“We lost nearly 1,200 people, and more than 560 soldiers in the wars that followed. Two of those victims were associated with the Israeli community in Ghana,” he noted, recognizing the presence of one of the bereaved parents at the ceremony.
He reiterated Israel’s position that Hamas holds the key to ending the conflict, urging the militant group to release hostages and relinquish control of Gaza, while expressing belief that Israeli-Palestinian relations could improve in the future.
“As much as the situation looks gloomy today, I strongly believe the relations between Israelis and Palestinians can and should be different. There must be a peaceful solution,” he said.
The Ambassador concluded by expressing gratitude to Israeli companies and embassy staff who supported the event and extended best wishes to the people of Ghana for continued democratic stability.
“I would like to wish our hosts, the wonderful people of Ghana, to maintain their place as one of the most democratic and stable states in Africa,” he said.
The Independence Day celebration was marked under the theme “Bridges of Hope” and featured cultural performances, including a jazz trio from Israel and Israeli-Ghanaian collaborative performances.
