Ghana has successfully completed the evacuation of its first group of citizens from Iran to Turkey, amid intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran.
The announcement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who also confirmed that arrangements are underway to evacuate Ghanaians currently residing in Israel.
“So far, the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran has been evacuated to Turkey successfully. Our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly,” Ablakwa said.
The emergency response is part of a broader strategy by the Mahama-led administration to prioritize the safety and welfare of Ghanaians abroad during the escalating regional crisis.
The Foreign Minister held separate high-level meetings with the Iranian and Israeli ambassadors to Ghana, where he communicated the government’s evacuation plan and sought assurances for border passage and logistical support.
“These meetings enriched the government’s understanding of the conflict and emphasized the urgency of a peaceful resolution,” Ablakwa noted in a Facebook post detailing the diplomatic engagements.
He further underscored Ghana’s adherence to a foreign policy rooted in pacifism, non-alignment, and the rule of law.
“I urged [the ambassadors] to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles… anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution,” he stated.
Ghana currently serves on the United Nations Human Rights Council and chairs the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency—roles that, according to the Minister, make Ghana’s position on peace and diplomacy more vital than ever.
“Finally, I repeated Ghana’s demand for both countries to cease fire and opt for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of their concerns,” Ablakwa affirmed.
The evacuation comes at a time of rising global concern about the fallout from the escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran.
Ghana’s swift action and principled diplomatic stance reflect its continued commitment to international peace, multilateralism, and the safety of its diaspora.
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