The Government of Ghana has successfully begun evacuating its citizens from Iran following a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, June 16, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that no Ghanaian fatalities have been recorded.
The evacuation, approved by the Mahama administration, involves the immediate withdrawal of all Ghanaians residing in Iran and includes diplomats, students, professionals, and other nationals.
The government has also announced the closure of Ghana’s embassy in Tehran to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff.
Ablakwa stated that the evacuation is progressing via land borders, and emphasized that the government is also closely monitoring the situation in Israel.
Operations at Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv have been significantly scaled down, and Ghanaian nationals in Israel have been advised to stay in regular contact with the consular office.
Communication channels have been established, and Ghanaians have been assured access to bomb shelters amid the rising threat of attacks.
Meanwhile, plans for an emergency evacuation from Israel have been approved and will be activated when security conditions allow.
This diplomatic response follows a surprise Israeli assault on Friday that reportedly decimated Iran’s top military command and damaged key nuclear facilities, heightening fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
In retaliation, Iranian missiles struck the cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, destroying residential areas and intensifying regional tensions.
Although the United States has officially denied involvement in the Israeli offensive, U.S. officials have confirmed that American forces assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israel.
Ablakwa stressed that the government is resolved to protect all Ghanaian lives caught in the conflict, stating that President Mahama’s administration will spare no effort in removing Ghanaians from harm’s way.
He reiterated Ghana’s call for diplomatic engagement and de-escalation between the two nations to avoid further bloodshed.
“No Ghanaian fatality or injuries. Evacuation from Iran proceeding successfully. Ghana’s embassy in Israel has identified 922 Ghanaians currently living in Israel. Included in that figure are 65 Ghanaian students studying in 6 Israeli universities. Channels for regular communication with the Ghanaian community in Israel have been established.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
