Israeli embassy in Ghana shuts down

The Israeli embassy in Ghana has shut down, a statement by the consulate announced Wednesday.

As a result, consular services will not be extended to members of the public. No individual will also be allowed inside the premises of the embassy.

A statement from the embassy copied to Starr News said: "Due to the decision of the Israeli Ministry of Finance to breach understandings that were agreed upon and signed by the Director General of the Ministry of Finance on July 21, 2019, and to apply a one-sided procedure that alters a protocol that has been in place for several decades, we are forced to close the diplomatic mission. No consular services will be provided and no one will be allowed to enter the Embassy.

“Israeli diplomats are committed at all times to strive to enhance Israel’s strength and resilience. Unfortunately, the decision of the Israeli Ministry of Finance does not leave us any choice but to take the above-mentioned action, since the vital interests of the State of Israel have been harmed. We hope that this crisis will be resolved as soon as possible”.

Rejoinder:The Embassy of Israel has clarified to GhanaWeb that it rather suspended all its daily diplomatic activities such as consular services, meetings and events, as of Wednesday 30 October 2019, due to internal budgetary issues between the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israel's Ministry of Finance. "This strike action is being carried out by all Israeli Missions abroad. Israel and Ghana have good and long-lasting relations, that hopefully will last until the end of days. The Embassy will continue to give services and resume its diplomatic activities in Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone once the internal difficulties are resolved," it said in a statement.