The government of Israel is poised to deepen its support for Ghana’s development following the smooth transition of power to the new administration, H.E. Roey Gilad, Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, has said.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Ambassador highlighted Israel’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations under President John Dramani Mahama, as it had done under the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
He outlined key areas of collaboration, including agriculture, solar energy, and cybersecurity.
“It is clear that the new President [Mahama] has a heavy weight to lift. Israel is not a superpower, but we bring goodwill, appreciation, and a deep love for Africa in general, and Ghana in particular,” H.E. Gilad stated.
“We are going to do our utmost to be relevant to the new administration and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s developmental efforts.”
Deepening Ties and Strategic Cooperation
Israel’s partnership with Ghana has long focused on agriculture, with Israeli expertise helping to enhance productivity and food security.
H.E. Gilad emphasized that agriculture would remain the backbone of their cooperation while exploring emerging sectors like renewable energy and digital security.
“Israel is very advanced in solar energy, and Ghana has abundant sunlight that can be harnessed for clean energy solutions. We also excel in cybersecurity, an area of growing importance for governments worldwide,” the Ambassador noted.
He expressed optimism about engaging with Ghana’s new Foreign Minister-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, once confirmed by Parliament, to advance these initiatives.
A Call for Balanced Diplomacy
H.E Gilad urged the new government to adopt a more balanced stance on international security matters, particularly in forums like the United Nations, to reflect the complexities of Israel’s geopolitical challenges.
“The outgoing government was friendly with Israel, and we expect the same level of friendship from the new administration. However, we would like to see this reflected more robustly in Ghana’s positions on international security matters,” he remarked.
The Ambassador also called for Ghana’s cooperation in supporting international efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
“Iran is not just an Israeli problem; it is an international problem. We hope Ghana will join the global pressure to address Iran’s military and ideological ambitions,” he added.
Middle East Geopolitics and Ceasefire Update
Addressing the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, H.E. Gilad provided updates on the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by Hamas and reiterated Israel’s determination to neutralize threats while prioritizing civilian safety.
“Israel’s principle is clear: the release of hostages and the safety of our citizens are paramount. While we face significant challenges, including the actions of released prisoners, we remain steadfast in ensuring security and peace,” he said.
Reflecting on the events of October 7, H.E. Gilad admitted that Israel was misled by a period of relative silence from Hamas, which culminated in a devastating attack.
He assured that Israel would conduct a thorough investigation into the intelligence lapses and ensure lessons are learned to prevent future occurrences.
Strengthening Resilience Amid Adversity
The Ambassador likened Israel’s resilience to the strength of a deeply rooted tree, withstanding storms and regrowing its broken branches.
“The Israeli tree is strong. Some branches were broken, but the roots and the trunk remain unshaken. It will be a painful process, but Israel will recover stronger,” he assured.
In conclusion, Mr. Gilad reaffirmed Israel’s unwavering commitment to Ghana’s progress and stability, expressing hope for deeper collaboration under President Mahama’s administration.
“We look forward to working closely with Ghana’s new government to achieve mutual growth and development,” he said.
