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

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.