First Batch of Ghanaians Evacuated to Turkey amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

The Government of Ghana has successfully evacuated the first group of Ghanaian nationals from Iran to Turkey, following rising tensions and hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this development after holding separate high-level meetings with the Israeli and Iranian ambassadors in Accra.

He indicated that plans are also far advanced to evacuate Ghanaian citizens currently residing in Israel.

As part of the government’s proactive diplomatic response, Hon. Ablakwa received the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Roey Gilad, and later met with the Iranian Ambassador, H.E. Ali Ghomshi, to discuss the safety of Ghanaian nationals amid the volatile security situation in the Middle East.

“These engagements offered an opportunity to formally present the Mahama administration’s emergency evacuation strategy for Ghanaians residing in both countries,” the Foreign Minister stated.

He added that the respective ambassadors were urged to expedite border access approvals through their home governments to facilitate the safe and timely evacuation of Ghanaian citizens.

Thanks to these coordinated efforts, the first group of evacuees from Iran has now arrived safely in Turkey.

Hon. Ablakwa also confirmed that preparations for the evacuation of Ghanaians from Israel are nearing completion.

According to the Foreign Ministry, 922 Ghanaians have been identified in Israel, including 65 students enrolled in six universities across the country.

Beyond the evacuation mission, the meetings also served as platforms for wider diplomatic engagement.

The Foreign Minister expressed Ghana’s deep concern over the escalating conflict and called on both nations to commit to an immediate ceasefire and pursue peaceful, diplomatic means to resolve their differences.

During his meeting with Ambassador Gilad, Hon. Ablakwa firmly addressed recent comments by the Israeli envoy that questioned Ghana’s voting record at international organizations. He emphasized Ghana’s sovereign right to maintain an independent foreign policy based on its longstanding principles of non-alignment, multilateralism, and respect for international law.

“These cherished principles,” he noted, “will continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy imperatives, especially now that the country serves on the UN Human Rights Council and chairs the Governing Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

The latest diplomatic engagements reinforce Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while maintaining a consistent call for peace and dialogue in the face of growing geopolitical instability.