Israeli Security Arrests Graphic Cameraman - During Visit Of Israeli Foreign Minister

A Daily Graphic photographer who had been assigned to cover the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ghana and Israel yesterday ended up at the Ministries Police Station after he had been picked up by Israeli security personnel. Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Addai, who was carrying in his bag six bottles of herbal preparations which he had to take every one hour to correct a medical condition, was picked on suspicion of being in possession of explosives. The Israeli security personnel were accompanying their Foreign Minister for the signing ceremony. Mr Addai had to spend close to four hours at the police station for questioning. Interestingly, Mr Addai had earlier been cleared by the security operatives when he entered the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel to cover the signing of the MoU. He was, however, restrained by one of the Israeli security details, who mistook the herbal preparations for explosives, from entering a different conference room where an Israel-Ghana Business Summit was being held. No excuses Not even an explanation and a demonstration by the photographer to show that the contents of the bottles were consumables could convince the hard-hearted Israeli security operative to allow Mr Addai to perform his official duties. Confusion The situation created a misunderstanding between the Israeli security team, as the second security detail criticised his colleagues for allowing Mr Addai to cover the first assignment. The ensuing confusion resulted in the Israeli security team handing over the Daily Graphic photographer to the Special Weapon and Tactical (SWAT) Unit of the Ghana Police Service for further investigations. The team, which looked on haplessly as events unfolded, subsequently handed over Mr Addai to the Ministries Police, without asking any questions. Mr Addai was released after being made to write a statement and sign a caution statement. He was also asked to report himself to the police station today for further investigations. Top Ghanaian security officials who were informed about the development were very upset about the arrest of the photographer and promised to secure his release. Agreements Meanwhile, Ghana and Israel have signed two agreements which seek to solidify and deepen relations between them. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr Liberman Avigdor, who is leading a business delegation, signed on behalf of his country, while Ms Hanna Tetteh, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, signed for Ghana. The Israeli delegation is in the country to build on relations between the two countries and explore business opportunities. Under the first agreement, the two countries are to allow the spouses of staff of their diplomatic missions to work in their countries to support their families, while the other was a joint declaration which summarises the key outcomes of the various activities undertaken by the Israeli Minister on his visit to Accra.