922 Ghanaians identified in Israel as govt prepares for evacuation

Government moves to evacuate 922 Ghanaians from Israel following heightened conflict and security concerns

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that 922 Ghanaians have been identified in Israel, including 65 students enrolled across six universities, and are ready for evacuation.

In a Facebook post, Ablakwa confirmed that, so far, there have been no reports of Ghanaian casualties or injuries in either Israel or Iran. He also noted that evacuation efforts from Iran are already in progress.

He explained that due to Israel’s declaration of a state of emergency and the closure of its borders, any evacuation from the country would require explicit approval from Israeli authorities. Discussions to obtain this authorisation are currently ongoing.

The Minister added that the Ghanaian embassy in Israel has established consistent lines of communication with the Ghanaian community.

Access to bomb shelters has been secured for all Ghanaian residents, and embassy staff are now working remotely in line with guidance from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ablakwa further disclosed that an emergency evacuation plan for Israel has been approved and will be implemented as soon as conditions permit.

He assured the public that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Ghanaians affected by the conflict.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Embassy in Tehran has officially closed its doors to public operations.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians living in Iran due to heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.

Ablakwa said the Mahama administration has taken the decision in the interest of safeguarding Ghanaian lives as the conflict intensifies.

“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,” he said.

He said “We (government) are equally keenly following developments in Israel and will advise shortly,” the Minister added.

“In the interim, we have instructed that embassy operations in Tel Aviv be reduced to the barest minimum, and all Ghanaians in Israel must maintain close communication with our consular department,” he added.

Ablakwa, however, stated that diplomatic relations remain cordial and constructive; the closure follows a precautionary approach in reaction to mounting regional volatility, adding that “no effort will be spared in protecting Ghanaian lives and keeping all Ghanaians out of harm’s way”, and reiterated Ghana’s call for restraint from both sides of the conflict.

“The Government of Ghana reiterates its demand on both parties to pursue diplomatic options and end hostilities,” Ablakwa noted.

Israel launched an airstrike early Friday targeting Iran’s nuclear, missile, and military facilities, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as an effort to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s survival.

In the days that followed, both nations exchanged multiple deadly attacks, resulting in rising casualties and escalating fears of a wider regional conflict. The United States, while not directly involved in the offensives, has supported Israel’s defence against waves of Iranian missile and drone strikes.