Ghana steps into Middle East politics with Pro-Palestine aid

In a bold diplomatic gesture, Ghana has waded into the complex politics of the Middle East by dispatching 40 metric tonnes of cocoa-based relief aid to the people of Palestine.

• Ghana dispatched 40 metric tonnes of cocoa-based relief supplies to Palestine as a diplomatic gesture.
• President Mahama emphasized the gesture as a symbol of solidarity and practical support for affected Palestinian families.
• The donation was accepted by the Palestinian Ambassador and aims to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in Gaza.

The donation, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, marks a rare and symbolic show of African solidarity in a conflict where most nations on the continent have historically maintained a cautious or neutral stance.

The donations which include chocolate and other locally produced items were provided under the renowned Golden Tree brand and the country’s rich cocoa industry

President Mahama described the gesture as both a symbol of solidarity and a means of practical support for Palestinian families affected by the ongoing conflict.

“This donation emphasizes Ghana’s commitment to global peace and compassion,” Mahama said, adding that Cocoa, being one of Ghana’s most valuable natural resources, represents resilience, generosity, and economic livelihood for millions of Ghanaian farmers.

The president added that Ghana’s position on the conflict remains rooted in international law, reiterating support for a negotiated two-state solution.

“Ghana supports a peaceful, negotiated two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, in line with international law and United Nations resolutions,” he said.

The donation follows Ghana's recall of its ambassador to Israel in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Although Ghana maintains diplomatic ties with both sides and recognizes the Palestinian state, President Mahama appealed to Israeli authorities to open humanitarian corridors into Gaza, allowing critical aid to reach civilians.

"The time has come for diplomacy and dialogue—not destruction," Mahama added.

Cocoa relief targets displaced in Gaza

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana, Abdalfatah Ahmed Khalil Alsattari, accepted the donation on behalf of the Palestinian people, extending gratitude to the government and citizens of Ghana.

The cocoa-based relief items aim to address hunger and food insecurity among displaced families in Gaza.

Hunger in Gaza has reached critical levels, with ongoing conflict and blockades severely limiting access to food, water, and essential supplies.

Thousands of families have been displaced, and many now rely entirely on humanitarian aid to survive. Malnutrition rates are rising, particularly among children, as food systems collapse under sustained bombardment and restricted movement.

Analysts suggest that this move may signal a growing willingness among African nations to take more defined stances on international conflicts, particularly those raising humanitarian and moral concerns.

Mahama thanked all contributors to the initiative, assuring the Palestinian people that "Ghana stands with them in their quest for peace and justice.”

Olamilekan Okebiorun

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