The information contained in this response was provided by a representative of the Embassy of Israel in Ottawa on 20 December 1993. The representative explained that Ghana, like many other African countries, severed diplomatic relations with Israel during the 1970s due to pressure from Arab countries, consequently, Ghana and Israel currently do not enjoy diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the representative stated that there is a large Ghanaian community living Israel illegally, and "they even have their own church in Jaffa near Tel Aviv." The representative also said that Ghanaian nationals now pose a big problem to the government of Israel because they enter Israel as tourists, get jobs and then refuse to leave, but the government of Israel has not taken measures to restrict their entry.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of Israel, Ottawa. 20 December 1993. Telephone interview with representative.