Ghana Begins Iran Evacuation, Plans Israel Response Amid Escalating Conflict

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no Ghanaian citizen has been injured or killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and has begun the evacuation of nationals from Iran as part of broader emergency measures to safeguard its citizens abroad.

In a Facebook update shared on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa provided a 10-point status update on government efforts to monitor and respond to the crisis, which has triggered heightened security and widespread border closures across the Middle East.

“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. We shall not fail our compatriots,” Minister Ablakwa wrote.

Evacuation From Iran Underway, Eyes on Israel

The Ministry reported that the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from Iran is proceeding successfully, while efforts to secure evacuation approvals from Israeli authorities are ongoing. The challenge, according to the Minister, stems from Israel’s declaration of a state of emergency, which has resulted in the closure of all borders.

“Evacuation from Israel cannot be carried out now except with the express authorization of Israeli authorities — Ghana is pursuing those approval options,” the Minister said.

922 Ghanaians in Israel Identified, Including 65 Students

The Ghanaian Embassy in Israel has identified 922 citizens, including 65 students studying in six Israeli universities. Communication channels with the Ghanaian community have been established to facilitate real-time updates and emergency coordination.

Ghana’s embassy in Israel is currently complying with a global directive issued by Israel’s Foreign Ministry advising diplomats to work from home for safety reasons. The Ministry has also approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel, which will be activated once clearance is received. In the meantime, authorities are ensuring that Ghanaians residing in Israel have access to bomb shelters and other safety infrastructure. This is the second official update by the Foreign Minister since the conflict escalated. It follows growing concern about the safety of Ghanaians living abroad, particularly in conflict-prone regions. Ghana joins other countries actively engaging Israeli and Iranian authorities to protect their citizens.

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