By Kenneth appiah bani
The Government of Ghana has taken bold and proactive measures in response to the escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran, which have intensified following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory on June 13, 2025.
In a press statement issued on June 16, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the immediate closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Tehran and the commencement of a full-scale evacuation of Ghanaian citizens living in Iran. The Mahama Administration made this decision in the interest of protecting Ghanaian lives.
“The evacuation through land borders covers all Ghanaian diplomats, students, professionals, and other compatriots,” the Ministry’s statement emphasized.
To guarantee the safety of diplomatic staff, Ghana’s Embassy in Tehran has been closed with immediate effect. The government assured that no effort would be spared in removing Ghanaian nationals from harm’s way.
Simultaneously, the government is closely monitoring developments in Israel, where diplomatic operations have been scaled back. Embassy operations in Tel Aviv have been reduced to the barest minimum, and all Ghanaians in Israel have been instructed to maintain constant communication with the Consular Department.
In a second update shared via Facebook on June 17, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, provided new details on Ghana’s diplomatic efforts:
PROTECTING GHANAIANS DURING THE ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT (UPDATE No. 2):
- No Ghanaian fatalities or injuries have been recorded.
- Evacuation from Iran is proceeding successfully.
- Ghana’s embassy in Israel has identified 922 Ghanaians currently living in the country.
- This includes 65 Ghanaian students enrolled in six Israeli universities.
- Communication lines have been established with the Ghanaian community in Israel.
- Due to Israel’s border closures under its state of emergency, evacuation can only occur with Israeli government approval.
Ghana is actively seeking such authorization. - All embassy personnel are working remotely, in compliance with guidance from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
- The government is ensuring that all Ghanaians in Israel have access to bomb shelters.
- An Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel has already been approved and will be activated once safe conditions are met.
- President Mahama’s administration remains committed to protecting Ghanaians and ensuring no one is left in danger.
In a separate press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed grave concern over the growing military escalation in the region. Ghana has called on both Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint, engage in diplomatic dialogue, and reaffirm their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
“Ghana stands ready to support a unified response of the international community to de-escalate the conflict, abate further destabilisation in the Middle East, and contain the unfolding threat to international peace and security,” the Ministry added.
As the crisis unfolds, Ghana’s government has reiterated its dedication to upholding the safety, sovereignty, and dignity of all Ghanaian citizens abroad.
“We shall not fail our compatriots,” Hon. Ablakwa assured.
