Introduction

The detention of Ghanaian travelers at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv has sparked significant diplomatic discourse, highlighting the complexities of international traveler rights and state-to-state relations. This incident, involving seven Ghanaian nationals—including four members of a parliamentary delegation—has prompted Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider reciprocal diplomatic actions.

In this article, we delve into the diplomatic frameworks proposed by cultural theorist and financier V.L. Okay. Djokoto, who offers a structured approach to understanding how nations can respond to such incidents while balancing immediate redress, long-term relations, and strategic interests.

Key Points

Background

The Ben Gurion Airport Incident

On December 10, 2025, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement addressing the detention and deportation of seven Ghanaian nationals at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Among those affected were four members of a parliamentary delegation en route to the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference.

The incident prompted Ghana to summon Israeli Embassy officials and consider reciprocal diplomatic actions, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for a structured diplomatic response.

V.L. Okay. Djokoto: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

V.L. Okay. Djokoto, a prominent Ghanaian cultural theorist, financier, and gallerist, provided a diplomatic framework for addressing such incidents during his speech at the Creative Entrepreneurs Forum 2025 in Accra, organized by the British Council. Djokoto leads D.K.T. Djokoto & Co, a multi-family office established in 1950, managing interests in real estate, rural banking, and cultural institutions.

His insights draw from a unique blend of cultural theory, finance, and diplomacy, offering a holistic approach to understanding state responses to international incidents.

Analysis

The Architecture of Diplomatic Response

Djokoto’s framework emphasizes that states must carefully weigh multiple factors when responding to the mistreatment of their nationals abroad. Key considerations include:

• Immediate Redress: Addressing the immediate grievances of affected citizens.
• Long-Term Behavioral Change: Influencing the offending state’s future conduct.
• Preservation of Broader Relations: Maintaining diplomatic and economic ties.
• Domestic Signalling: Demonstrating to domestic audiences that the state is protective of its citizens.

Djokoto notes, “Public statements in cross-border relations serve multiple audiences simultaneously—the offending state, domestic and international observers, and potential future actors.” This duality requires states to calibrate their responses to satisfy both public sentiment and diplomatic objectives.

Frameworks for Escalation

Djokoto outlines a diplomatic escalation ladder, a structured approach that foreign ministries typically consider when responding to such incidents:

1. Private Consultations: Discreet discussions to resolve issues without public escalation.
2. Formal Demarches: Official diplomatic representations to convey concerns.
3. Public Statements: Issuing official statements to signal displeasure and establish a public position.
4. Summoning of Ambassadors: A formal step to express serious concerns.
5. Reciprocal Measures: Implementing tit-for-tat actions to signal resolve.
6. Coalition-Building: Partnering with other affected states to amplify diplomatic pressure.

Each step carries distinct signalling costs and benefits. For instance, private diplomacy preserves flexibility and face-saving opportunities, while public statements establish clear positions but may limit maneuvering room.

Coalition Dynamics and Leverage

Djokoto highlights the strategic value of coordinated responses among African nations experiencing similar treatment. He states, “A unified position from several African nations carries different weight than individual protests.” However, he acknowledges the challenges of coordination, including:

• Time constraints in organizing a unified response.
• Alignment of diverse national interests.
• The need for established diplomatic infrastructure to facilitate coordination.

Effective diplomatic responses ultimately depend on the responding state’s assessment of its leverage and the offending state’s cost-benefit analysis. Djokoto explains, “States respond to incentives and costs. The question becomes: what costs might be imposed, what incentives might be withheld, and how does one credibly signal willingness to follow through?”

The Role of Specificity in Diplomatic Language

Diplomatic language often strikes a balance between clarity and flexibility. Phrases like “considering appropriate reciprocal action” serve multiple purposes:

• Signalling displeasure while preserving optionality.
• Inviting questions about specificity and credibility.
• Allowing room for back-channel negotiations that may not be visible in public statements.

Djokoto notes, “What we see in press releases represents one layer of diplomatic engagement. The complete picture typically includes private conversations, assurances sought and given, and commitments made outside public view.”

Alternative Framings

Djokoto suggests several alternative approaches to framing diplomatic responses:

• Procedural Matter: Framing the incident as a legal or procedural issue to demand accountability without emotional content.
• Standards of Treatment: Emphasizing adherence to bilateral agreements and international norms.
• Historical Context: Leveraging the historical friendship between states to establish baseline expectations for behavior.

Each approach carries trade-offs, and the optimal choice depends on a state’s specific objectives and its assessment of the relationship dynamics.

The Transactional Nature of International Relations

Djokoto underscores that international relations are fundamentally transactional, even when moral language is employed. He states, “States pursue interests, not friendships. When Ghana says it values its relationship with Israel, what’s really being said is that both parties derive benefits from cooperation.”

Effective diplomacy requires:

• Clarity about the benefits at stake.
• Credible signalling of willingness to adjust cooperation if treatment standards are not met.
• Changing the offending state’s cost-benefit calculation to incentivize better behavior.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers

• Assess Objectives Clearly: Determine whether the goal is immediate redress, long-term behavioral change, or domestic signalling.
• Use the Escalation Ladder Strategically: Begin with private consultations and escalate only if necessary to preserve flexibility.
• Build Coalitions: Coordinate with other affected states to amplify diplomatic pressure.
• Signal Credibly: Ensure that public statements are backed by private diplomatic efforts and a willingness to follow through.

For Travelers

• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with bilateral agreements and international norms governing traveler treatment.
• Document Incidents: Keep records of any mistreatment to support diplomatic interventions.
• Engage Diplomatic Channels: Report incidents to your country’s embassy or consulate for official follow-up.

For Businesses and Institutions

• Monitor Diplomatic Developments: Stay informed about changes in international relations that may impact travel or operations.
• Develop Contingency Plans: Prepare for potential disruptions in travel or trade due to diplomatic tensions.
• Engage in Advocacy: Support initiatives that promote fair treatment of travelers and strengthen diplomatic ties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened at Ben Gurion Airport?

Seven Ghanaian nationals, including four members of a parliamentary delegation, were detained and deported at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on December 10, 2025. The incident prompted Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon Israeli Embassy officials and consider reciprocal measures.

What is a diplomatic framework?

A diplomatic framework is a structured approach to addressing international incidents, balancing immediate redress, long-term relations, and strategic interests. It includes steps such as private consultations, public statements, and reciprocal measures.

Why is coalition-building important in diplomacy?

Coalition-building amplifies diplomatic pressure by uniting multiple states with similar grievances. A coordinated response from several African nations, for example, carries more weight than individual protests.

What are reciprocal measures in diplomacy?

Reciprocal measures are tit-for-tat actions taken by a state in response to another state’s actions. For example, if one country detains travelers from another, the affected country may respond by detaining travelers from the offending country.

How can travelers protect their rights abroad?

Travelers can protect their rights by familiarizing themselves with bilateral agreements, documenting any incidents of mistreatment, and engaging their country’s diplomatic channels for support.

Conclusion

The Ben Gurion Airport incident serves as a critical case study in the complexities of international traveler rights and diplomatic responses. V.L. Okay. Djokoto’s framework provides a structured approach to understanding how states can navigate such incidents while balancing immediate concerns with long-term strategic interests.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of calibrating diplomatic responses to achieve sustainable objectives.
• The strategic value of coordination among affected states to amplify diplomatic pressure.
• The transactional nature of international relations, where states respond to incentives and costs.
• The need for clear signalling and credible follow-through in diplomatic engagements.

As Ghana and Israel navigate the aftermath of this incident, the effectiveness of their diplomatic efforts will depend on sustained engagement, clear communication of expectations, and a willingness to adjust behaviors based on mutual interests. For travelers, businesses, and policymakers alike, understanding these diplomatic frameworks is essential for navigating the complexities of international relations in an increasingly interconnected world.