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The Rise And Decline of a Special Relationship: Israel and Ghana, 1957–1966

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2014

Zach Levey
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Abstract:

The “special relationship” between Israel and Ghana that began with the latter's attainment of independence in March 1957 endured only three years. At the January 1961 Casablanca Conference, Ghana joined in a sharp condemnation of Israel, marking the end of Israel's brief but extraordinary influence in Accra. Despite this downturn, Israel continued to fund aid and assistance projects in Ghana and to conduct civilian training programs. This article reviews the policy origins of Israel's entry into Ghana, demonstrates how both countries exploited a brief “honeymoon period,” analyzes their diverging paths, and explains why Israel did not use the fall of Nkrumah in 1966 as an opportunity to reestablish the special relationship.

Résumé:

Résumé:

La “relation spéciale” entre Israël et le Ghana, inaugurée lors de la déclaration d'indépendance de ce dernier en mars 1957, n'aura duré que trois ans. Lors de la conférence de Casablanca en janvier 1961, le Ghana s'est joint à la condamnation sévère d'Israël, marquant ainsi la fin de l'influence brève mais extraordinaire d'Israël à Accra. Malgré cette régression, Israël a continué à financer des projets d'aide et d'assistance au Ghana, et à diriger des programmes de formation de la population civile. Cet article examine les origines politiques de l'entŕee d'Israël au Ghana, démontre comment ces deux pays ont exploité une brève période de «lune de miel», analyse leurs chemins divergents, et explique pourquoi Israël n'a pas profité de la chute de Nkrumah en 1966 pour essayer de rétablir cette relation spéciale.

Type
Articles
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 46 , Issue 1 , April 2003 , pp. 155 - 177
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2003

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