Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the first batch of Ghanaians residing in Iran has been successfully evacuated to Turkey, following heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.
This comes after government ordered an immediate evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from Iran in response to the escalating conflict between the two Middle Eastern nations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, June 19, Ablakwa confirmed that the first group of evacuees had arrived safely in Turkey.
He added that arrangements are underway to evacuate Ghanaian nationals currently in Israel.
“So far, the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully. Our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly.”
The Minister also disclosed that he held separate meetings this week with the Ambassadors of Israel and Iran to coordinate the evacuation strategy and secure border access for safe passage.
Ablakwa emphasized that the interactions not only advanced evacuation logistics but also deepened Ghana’s understanding of the unfolding crisis.
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Ablakwa affirmed that these principles would continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy, especially during this critical time when Ghana holds a seat on the UN Human Rights Council and chairs the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“On Tuesday, I met with H.E. Roey Gilad of Israel and then held talks with H.E. Ali Ghomshi of Iran on Wednesday. The meetings afforded me the opportunity to convey the Mahama Administration’s emergency evacuation strategy for Ghanaians living in their countries with the two ambassadors for onward communication to their governments to facilitate border access approvals.
Ablakwa added, “These engagements have also enriched our understanding of the ongoing conflict. It is worth emphasizing that in the meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, I registered Ghana’s strong displeasure at his recent public pronouncements questioning Ghana’s voting pattern at international organizations.”
He reiterated Ghana’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the pursuit of diplomatic dialogue between Israel and Iran.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
