Ghanaians demand cancellation of Israeli festival in Accra, as Ambassador meets influencers to boost Israel’s image
A growing storm is brewing in Ghana over Israel’s public diplomacy drive.
On one side, a coalition of more than 500 citizens and organisations is demanding the cancellation of an Israeli film festival slated for 17–20 September at Silverbird Cinema in Accra.
On the other, Israel’s ambassador, Roey Gilad, is engaging Ghanaian influencers and policymakers in a bid to boost his country’s image and strengthen partnerships between Ghana and Israel.
The coalition’s petition, trending with the hashtags #FreePalestine and #BoycottIsrael, blames Israel for using cultural events to “whitewash genocide in Gaza.”
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It referenced ongoing legal processes at the International Court of Justice, where South Africa has accused Tel Aviv of committing genocide against Palestinians.
Protesters staged a demonstration at Silverbird on 16 September, urging the cinema to cancel the screenings and vowing to resist any attempt to “platform apartheid.”
The Israeli Embassy, however, defended the festival as a cultural exchange initiative. It said films would be shown free of charge to the public each evening, aiming to “foster dialogue and mutual understanding” while showcasing Israeli social diversity and everyday life.
Parallel to the cultural push, Ambassador Gilad has been active in Ghana’s policy and social circles. At a March forum organised by Israel’s Economic and Trade Mission, he highlighted Israeli innovations that he argued could transform Ghana’s agricultural sector.
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The envoy’s outreach has extended into digital spaces as sources say that Gilad has met with Ghanaian social media influencers to shape perceptions of Israel online.
The influencers’ identities have not been publicly confirmed, but the meetings are said to align with broader efforts to boost Israel’s image in Ghana’s digital spaces.
Critics, however, see these parallel activities as part of a wider strategy to rebrand Israel amid growing global condemnation.
The clash of narratives underscores a deeper struggle over how Israel is seen in Ghana: whether as a partner in technology and innovation, or as a state wanted for crimes against humanity that should be boycotted rather than embraced.
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