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Ghana Races to Evacuate Citizens Trapped in Israel Amid Border Closures and Rising Tensions with Iran

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Hundreds of Ghanaians are currently stranded in Israel as escalating tensions with Iran force the Israeli government to declare a state of emergency and shut all borders, effectively halting any immediate evacuation efforts.

 

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed this urgent development in a Twitter update on Monday, June 16, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to protect its citizens caught in the volatile conflict.

 

In what he referred to as “UPDATE No. 2,” the Minister revealed that Ghana’s Embassy in Israel has identified 922 Ghanaians residing in the country. This number includes 65 students enrolled in six different Israeli universities, showing that the affected population cuts across various groups.

 

So far, there have been no reported injuries or deaths among Ghanaians in the region. Minister Ablakwa noted that while evacuation efforts from Iran are progressing successfully, the situation in Israel remains more complex.

 

“With Israeli authorities declaring a state of emergency and closing all borders, an evacuation from Israel cannot be carried out now except with the express authorization of Israeli authorities,” Ablakwa explained. He added that the government is actively working to obtain those necessary clearances to begin a safe evacuation.

 

An Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel has already been approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is ready for activation once conditions permit.

 

Meanwhile, Ghanaian authorities have established direct communication lines with the Ghanaian community in Israel to keep them informed and supported. In compliance with safety directives from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Ghana’s embassy staff are also working remotely to minimize risk.

 

Ablakwa further emphasized that efforts are being made to ensure that all Ghanaians in Israel have access to bomb shelters and other essential protections.

 

The Mahama Administration has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety of Ghanaian nationals.

 

“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,” the Minister assured.

 

As diplomatic efforts continue, the government remains focused on securing safe passage for its citizens amid one of the region’s most volatile crises in recent years.

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Crime and Investigation

OSP Charges Paul Adom-Otchere Over GACL Contract; Fails to Meet Bail Conditions

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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has formally charged Paul Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), alongside two other individuals, in connection with a contentious revenue assurance contract.

 

Despite being granted bail, Mr. Adom-Otchere remains in custody after failing to meet the bail requirement of providing two landed properties registered in his name. He reportedly informed investigators that he does not own any such properties in Ghana, making compliance with the condition unattainable.

 

Also charged are Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, Group Executive for Commercial Services at GACL, and Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea, Chief Executive Officer of Devnest Systems.

 

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a revenue assurance contract awarded to a private firm allegedly linked to the owner of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The OSP is examining suspected procurement violations, including the alleged sole-sourcing of a company that did not receive board approval from GACL.

 

Mr. Adom-Otchere was summoned for questioning on Thursday, July 31, following a formal notice issued on July 25, 2025.

 

In an interview with Citi Newsroom prior to his appearance before the OSP, Adom-Otchere described the investigation as politically driven. “I describe this as a witch-hunt,” he stated, asserting that he played no part in executing the contract. “The contract in question was signed by the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company, and I was not even aware it had been executed.”

 

He further questioned why the investigation is focused on him instead of the GACL management officials who handled the contract process.

 

The OSP is expected to release additional information on the case and outline the next steps in the legal process in the coming days.

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Crime and Investigation

OSP’s Bail Conditions for Adom-Otchere ‘Unjust and Excessive’ – Lawyer

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Nicholas Lenin Anane Agyei, legal representative for Paul Adom-Otchere, has condemned the bail terms set by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing them as harsh and discriminatory.

 

This follows the OSP’s directive that Mr. Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), must present two landed properties registered in his name before securing bail. Despite being officially granted bail, he remains in custody due to his inability to meet this condition.

 

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, July 31, Mr. Agyei expressed concern that the OSP’s demands appear intended to deliberately prolong Mr. Adom-Otchere’s detention.

 

He argued that the requirement was not only excessive but also unfair to individuals without significant assets.

 

“Asking for two landed properties in the name of the accused is an unreasonable demand, especially when it’s known he doesn’t own any. It’s as though the system is designed to deny bail to those without wealth,” he said.

 

Mr. Agyei further revealed that during preliminary procedures, Mr. Adom-Otchere had clearly indicated that he does not possess any landed properties. Despite this disclosure, the OSP still made such a condition central to his bail.

 

“It’s concerning that the OSP would insist on such conditions even after learning about his lack of property ownership. This, in our view, amounts to a veiled attempt to keep him behind bars,” he added.

 

He assured the public that the legal team is actively pursuing all lawful channels to challenge the conditions and secure the release of his client.

 

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Crime and Investigation

OSP Invites Former GACL Board Chair Paul Adom-Otchere Over Suspected Corruption in Audit Deal

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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has summoned Paul Adom-Otchere, the former Board Chairman of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities.

 

The probe focuses on a revenue assurance audit contract between GACL and a private firm, with suspicions surrounding the financial management and accounting of airport revenues under the agreement.

 

In an official letter dated July 25, 2025, the OSP identified Mr. Adom-Otchere as a suspect in the matter, citing potential corruption and corruption-related offenses. He has been asked to appear at the OSP’s South Ridge office on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

 

Confirming receipt of the summons in an interview with Myjoyonline.com, Mr. Adom-Otchere, who recently completed his term as board chair, disclosed that his legal team has requested a new date—Monday, August 4—due to court engagements in Kumasi.

 

While pledging his full cooperation, he expressed surprise at being singled out, arguing that the decision-making around the contract was primarily handled by GACL management and its managing director, both of whom remain in office and available to assist with the inquiry.

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