Foreign Minister Ablakwa pushes back on Israeli criticism over IAEA vote

Foreign Minister Ablakwa pushes back on Israeli criticism over IAEA vote

By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Roey Gilad, to respect Ghana’s sovereign right to maintain its independent and non-aligned foreign policy decisions at international platforms.

The minister’s response follows recent public remarks by the Israeli envoy, who questioned Ghana’s decision to abstain from a vote at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The vote, held on June 12, 2025, saw the IAEA Board of Governors formally declare that Iran had violated its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

While the ambassador described his appeal as a “friendly and respectful request,” he encouraged Ghana to reconsider its neutral stance in global peace and security matters. Mr. Gilad also acknowledged Ghana’s abstention was procedurally legitimate due to its role as chair of the IAEA Board.

In a diplomatic meeting earlier this week, Mr. Ablakwa expressed concern over the comments and reaffirmed Ghana’s long-held foreign policy principles.

“I urged him to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, pacifist approach to peace building, non-alignment, respect for the UN Charter, adherence to the rule-based international order, belief in multilateralism and strict compliance with international law,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

He added:

“These cherished principles will continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy imperatives within all international organizations, particularly at this defining moment when Ghana is serving on the UN Human Rights Council and chairing the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

During the IAEA vote, 19 countries supported the resolution, three opposed it — including Russia, China, and Burkina Faso — while 11 nations, including Ghana, abstained. The resolution, put forward by the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany, cited Iran’s failure to cooperate fully with the IAEA since 2019.

The diplomatic exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, following military strikes and retaliatory missile attacks over the weekend. Iran claims its missiles targeted military-linked installations, while Israel reported that a hospital in the country’s south sustained extensive damage.

As part of its emergency response, Ghana has begun evacuating its nationals from affected regions. Mr. Ablakwa confirmed that the first group of Ghanaians in Iran has been safely relocated to Turkey. The evacuation, conducted by land, includes diplomats, students, and professionals.

“Our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly,” the minister added in a statement.

Ghanaians in Israel have been advised to maintain close contact with consular officials. Meanwhile, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been temporarily shut down to ensure the safety of staff, and the embassy in Tel Aviv has scaled down operations to the barest minimum.

Mr. Ablakwa also used the meeting to reiterate Ghana’s neutral stance on the ongoing conflict.

“Ghana demands that both countries cease fire and opt for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of their concerns,” he stressed.