The Government of Ghana has begun an emergency evacuation of its citizens from the Islamic Republic of Iran, following a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. The move is aimed at safeguarding the lives of Ghanaians amid intensifying regional instability and the threat of further military confrontation.
In a statement issued on Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the Mahama administration had authorized the immediate evacuation of all Ghanaians currently residing in Iran. This includes diplomats, students, professionals, and other residents.
“The Mahama Administration, in the interest of protecting Ghanaian lives, has decided to immediately evacuate Ghanaians living in Iran following an escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict,” Mr. Ablakwa said during a press briefing.
As part of the emergency response, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been shut down with immediate effect to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff. The evacuation is being carried out via land routes through Iran’s neighbouring borders, given the current volatility in the airspace.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also announced that operations at Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, have been scaled down significantly. The embassy is operating on a skeleton staff, with consular services available on an emergency basis only.
“We have instructed that embassy operations in Tel Aviv be reduced to the barest minimum, and all Ghanaians in Israel must maintain close communication with our consular department,” Mr. Ablakwa emphasized.
The government further assured the Ghanaian public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of citizens in both conflict zones, with real-time monitoring and coordination underway between Ghanaian missions, regional partners, and international organizations.
This urgent evacuation comes on the heels of a major Israeli military operation, launched on June 13, 2025, targeting over 100 high-value Iranian military and nuclear sites. According to intelligence sources, Israel used a mix of airstrikes, long-range drones, and cyber warfare to cripple Iran’s command and missile infrastructure.
Key figures killed in the attacks include Hossein Salami, a top commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Fereydoun Abbasi, a senior nuclear scientist. Widespread damage was reported in Tehran and western provinces, with over 220 people killed and 1,200 injured, according to Iranian sources.
Iran responded within hours with “Operation True Promise III,” launching more than 150 ballistic missiles and deploying over 100 drones towards major Israeli cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba. Despite Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling defense systems intercepting most of the threats, some missiles struck residential zones, resulting in 24 deaths and nearly 500 injuries, according to Israeli emergency officials.
The sudden flare-up represents the first full-scale military confrontation between the two arch-rivals, moving beyond years of covert operations and proxy conflicts. At the heart of the long-standing tension is Iran’s nuclear programme, Israeli sabotage campaigns, and Tehran’s support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and Palestinian factions.
The United Nations, European Union, and United States have all called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, warning that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
In a strong diplomatic appeal, Ghana’s Foreign Minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. “The Government of Ghana reiterates its demand on both parties to pursue diplomatic options and end hostilities,” Mr. Ablakwa said, echoing global calls for restraint.
Ghana’s swift evacuation response has been widely praised as a proactive measure to protect nationals amid unpredictable geopolitical developments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has pledged to release further updates regarding Ghanaian nationals in Israel, and is working closely with foreign missions, regional bodies, and humanitarian organizations to assess next steps.
Meanwhile, families in Ghana with relatives in Iran and Israel are being advised to stay in contact with the consular hotline, and report any concerns to the Ministry for immediate assistance.
The escalating situation has sparked concerns across Africa, where many governments are now re-evaluating the safety of their citizens in the Middle East. As one of the first African countries to initiate a full evacuation from Iran, Ghana’s actions may serve as a model for regional emergency diplomacy.
