Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, HE Roey Gilad, has questioned the Mahama government’s diplomatic approach to the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana questioned why President John Dramani Mahama has been more outspoken about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and not the Russia-Ukraine war.
Speaking at an event, the Israeli envoy noted that Ghana had maintained a largely non-aligned position on the war between Russia and Ukraine, with limited public criticism of Moscow’s invasion.
He stated, “On the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ghana is very much non-aligned. We don’t hear much criticism of Russia for their aggression against Ukraine”.
HE Roey Gilad contrasted this with what he described as the Ghanaian government’s vocal position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He further asked Rev Ntim Fordjour, who also attended the event, whether he understood the apparent difference in the government’s responses to the two international conflicts.
He questioned, “But as for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the current government is very loud; bear in mind that you are a member of the opposition. Can you understand the two different patterns?”
However, the NPP MP distanced himself from speaking on behalf of the government, explaining that he was not a government spokesperson or an official representative of Ghana’s foreign policy.
Ntim Fordjour stated, “I cannot pretend to be an authority on the foreign policy of Ghana. Neither am I the government spokesperson or representative on government foreign policy”.
The NPP MP, however, noted that from a security-based perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel faces threats from both non-state actors and, at times, other states.
Ntim Fordjour added, “One country faces existential threats from non-state actors, and even at some point from state actors. So, at both asymmetric and symmetric levels, we are facing threats”.
Also, the Assin South MP referenced Ghana’s national security strategy, highlighting that it recognises terrorism as a global and regional threat capable of undermining domestic security.
According to Ntim Forjour, the strategy acknowledges the need for states to take essential measures to safeguard their national security interests.
Their comment comes on the back of criticism from President John Dramani Mahama over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the application of international law.
President John Mahama, addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, called for stronger international action to address conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and other parts of the world.
Mahama cautioned that the credibility of the international system was being undermined by what he described as the selective application of international law.
He stated, “The time has come for us to stop using diplomatic euphemisms to veil the human carnage that is taking place in Gaza and the West Bank”.
“How many more lives must be lost before the world acts with decisive moral authority?” he asked.
“The blood of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and the more than 20,000 children that have been killed in this brutal conflict cries out to the conscience of the world,” he said.
Mahama condemned the collective punishment, forced starvation and mass displacement, calling for a stronger international response to the suffering of civilians.
The contrasting positions highlighted by Ambassador Gilad raise questions about how Ghana balances its diplomatic relationships, security considerations and positions on international conflicts.
Watch the video below:
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
