Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Roey Gilad, has warned that the growing extremist threat in the Sahel mirrors the security challenges confronting the Middle East, stressing that no country can defeat terrorism alone.
Speaking at Israel’s 78th Independence Anniversary celebration in Accra, Ambassador Gilad said armed groups operating in Mali and the wider Sahel posed dangers similar to Hamas and Hezbollah.
“The situation in the Sahel is not much different than the situation in the Middle East,” he said, adding “JNIM and Al-Qaida are not different than Hamas and Hezbollah, as was evident only a few days ago in Mali. No state can meet such a challenge alone and a coalition of the willing is essential.”
His remarks come amid growing concern over insecurity in West Africa’s Sahel region, where countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger continue to battle insurgent groups linked to extremist ideologies. Ghanaian security experts have also warned about possible spill over threats to coastal states, including Ghana.
By drawing comparisons between the two regions, the envoy placed the Sahel crisis within a wider global security context, arguing that terrorism has become an international challenge requiring coordinated responses.
Ambassador Gilad, who also serves as Israel’s ambassador to Liberia and Sierra Leone, said Israel continues to face serious regional threats, citing Iran and allied armed groups in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen. According to him, these tensions have shaped Israel’s security priorities in recent years.
The ambassador also referred to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and the hostage crisis that followed. He disclosed that on January 26, 2026 Israel recovered the body of Sergeant Major Ran Gvili, whom he described as the last among 251 Israelis abducted during the attacks.
According to him, 166 of those abducted returned alive, while 85 were returned dead. He said although that chapter had closed, Israel still face difficult national wounds and political debates over its future.
He noted that Israel would hold general elections in October, this year, describing democracy as the means through which nations determine their future.
Despite the security concerns, Ambassador Gilad ended on a hopeful note, saying peace remains central to Israel’s national values.
He said Israel was currently engaged in talks with Lebanon and remained interested in peaceful relations with its neighbours, including the Palestinians.
He, however, argued that the disarmament of Hamas was necessary for normal life to return to Gaza.
The Israeli envoy also praised Ghana’s contribution to international peacekeeping, particularly the role of Ghanaian soldiers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He said Israel deeply appreciated Ghana’s long-standing service in helping to maintain peace and security in southern Lebanon.
Beyond security matters, Ambassador Gilad highlighted the historic ties between Ghana and Israel. He recalled that Israel opened its embassy in Accra in 1956, one year before Ghana attained independence, making it the first Israeli embassy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He said relations between the two countries had grown from early cooperation in agriculture to new sectors such as cybersecurity, fintech, defence, energy and infrastructure.
The ambassador also referenced bilateral political consultations held in Jerusalem in January, this year, attended by Ghanaian officials including Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister James Quayson and Deputy Agriculture Minister John Dumelo.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama at the event, the Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei congratulated Israel on its 78th anniversary and praised the country’s resilience, innovation and democratic tradition.
He described Ghana and Israel as long-standing partners whose relations were built on mutual respect, shared values and practical cooperation.
According to him, Ghana sees strong potential for Israeli investment and expertise in flagship programmes such as the 24-hour economy policy, the Big Push infrastructure agenda and digital transformation efforts.
He also identified agriculture, health, education and innovation as key areas for future collaboration between the two countries.
The anniversary reception was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the Israeli community in Ghana, and invited Ghanaian guests.
The occasion was marked by music and entertainment performances by Tania Vinokur, an international violinist, singer and performer known for blending diverse cultural influences.
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The post Israeli Embassy celebrates Israel’s 78th Indece Day in Accra appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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