Ghana begins evacuation of citizens from Iran

By UTCHE OKWUOSAH

Following the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, Ghanaian government has announced the immediate evacuation of her citizens from Iran. This was made known by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, via a post on X social media platform on Monday, 16 June.

The post read in part: “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.

“To guarantee the safety of our embassy staff, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been closed with immediate effect,” the Minister wrote but he, however, went on to clarify that the closure was partial in other to remain available to other citizens who might subsequently need help.

“In the interim,” the message read, “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.”

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the evacuation operation through Iran’s land borders covers all Ghanaian nationals in Iran – diplomats, students, professionals, and other compatriots.

Meanwhile, he assured that no effort would be spared by the Government in protecting “Ghanaian lives and keeping all Ghanaians out of harm’s way.”

The government of Ghana reiterates its demand on both parties to pursue diplomatic options towards ending the two Middle East countries’ current differences, Mr. Ablakwa expressed in solicitation for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Below is the full text of the Minister’s post: