Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured that all Ghanaians currently residing in Israel will have access to bomb shelters, following the recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
This move comes after government authorized the immediate evacuation of all Ghanaian nationals living in Iran. However, evacuation from Israel is not currently possible due to the closure of all Israeli borders.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, June 16, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the evacuation from Iran is proceeding successfully, with no Ghanaian fatalities reported.
He also emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation in Israel and will provide updates and further guidance when the conditions permit.
Ghana has renewed its call for both Israel and Iran to de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
The recent conflict was triggered by a surprise Israeli assault on Friday, which reportedly eliminated Iran’s top military command and damaged critical nuclear infrastructure, sparking fears of a wider regional war.
Iran has vowed fierce retaliation, warning it would “open the gates of hell” in response.
The situation escalated further after Iranian missile strikes hit the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, destroying residential areas and raising international alarm.
In an update, Mr. Ablakwa noted that Ghana’s embassy in Israel has identified 922 Ghanaians currently living in the country, including 65 students enrolled in six Israeli universities.
He added that regular communication channels have been established with the Ghanaian community, and the embassy is operating under remote work directives issued by Israeli authorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel, which will be activated when conditions allow.
“Channels for regular communication with the Ghanaian community in Israel have been established. 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.”
“We are ensuring that all Ghanaians living in Israel have access to bomb shelters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel which will be promptly activated when conditions are met.”
Mr. Ablakwa assured that President Mahama’s administration is committed to protecting all Ghanaians affected by the conflict and will ensure their safety.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
