Amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured that Ghanaian citizens living in the Middle East are being fully safeguarded.
He confirmed that no injuries or fatalities involving Ghanaians have been reported so far, and that plans to evacuate citizens from Iran are already underway.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s embassy in Israel has accounted for 922 nationals currently residing in the country, including 65 students enrolled across six Israeli universities.
He also noted that the Ministry has set up reliable communication channels with the Ghanaian community in Israel to provide ongoing updates and necessary support as events continue to develop.
“With Israeli authorities declaring a state of emergency and closing all borders, an evacuation from Israel cannot be carried out now except with the express authorization of Israeli authorities — Ghana is pursuing those approval options.
“In a briefing by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, all diplomats and embassy officials from all over the world have been encouraged to work from home — our embassy is complying with that advice.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
According to the Minister, Ghanaian nationals living in Israel have been briefed on essential safety protocols and advised to remain vigilant as the conflict unfolds.
He stated that necessary precautions have been implemented to safeguard their well-being: “We are ensuring that all Ghanaians living in Israel have access to bomb shelters.”
These shelters are critical to providing immediate protection in the event of airstrikes or other emergencies.
The government, he emphasized, is working tirelessly to guarantee that every Ghanaian in the affected region remains safe and informed.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has finalized and approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Ghanaian nationals in Israel.
The plan remains on standby, ready to be activated as soon as the security situation allows for safe implementation.
Authorities are closely monitoring developments and will initiate the evacuation without delay once clearance is granted and conditions are deemed appropriate.
Accordingly, Hon. Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s readiness to act in the interest of its citizens abroad. “We shall not fail our compatriots. For God and Country,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Ghana has taken precautionary action in Iran by immediately closing its embassy in Tehran due to the mounting hostilities in the region.
“The Mahama administration has, in the interest of the protection of Ghanaian lives, decided to immediately evacuate Ghanaians living in Iran following an escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He emphasized that this decision is rooted in a deep concern for the safety of Ghanaian nationals. The move is intended to minimize risk as tensions between Israel and Iran show no signs of easing.
Govt Improves Security Coordination Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Furthermore, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that the government has activated a dedicated crisis response team within the Ministry to track developments, manage logistics, and maintain direct communication with Ghanaians in affected regions.
The task force also serves as a liaison with global partners, including neighboring states and international agencies, to support any eventual evacuation routes that may become necessary.
With the Israel-Iran conflict threatening to escalate further, Ghanaian authorities are working to ensure the country is not caught unprepared. Families back home are being urged to remain calm as officials continue to prioritize the well-being of citizens abroad.
“President Mahama’s Administration is resolved to spare no effort in ensuring that Ghanaians caught up in this Israeli-Iranian conflict are offered full protection and removed from danger.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Embassy staff in Tehran have been safely withdrawn, and the Ministry is in active coordination with the small Ghanaian community in Iran.
Although the numbers are lower compared to Israel, the level of risk is considered significant, prompting swift government intervention.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry, therefore, appealed to the public, especially families with loved ones in either country, to refrain from panic and to trust in the systems now in place to ensure safe repatriation where needed.
“Ghana is pursuing those approval options,” Hon. Ablakwa reiterated regarding Israel, underlining that plans for evacuation are being handled diplomatically and strategically.
While immediate evacuation from Israel remains contingent on border restrictions and security assessments, arrangements for Iran are already progressing, with officials confirming efforts are underway to bring Ghanaians back safely.
As the Middle East remains a hotspot of tension and uncertainty, Ghana’s diplomatic corps continues to monitor every detail closely.
The Ministry promised to issue regular updates and is committed to acting decisively in the interest of all Ghanaian citizens caught up in the conflict.
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