922 Ghanaians set for evacuation from Israel

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is working with Israeli authorities to obtain clearance for a possible evacuation of Ghanaian nationals following the escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran.

In an update posted on Facebook on Tuesday, [June 16, 2025], the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said 922 Ghanaians have so far been identified in Israel. Among them are 65 students enrolled at six different universities.

Mr Ablakwa confirmed that there have been no reports of Ghanaian fatalities or injuries in either Israel or Iran. He also disclosed that evacuation efforts from Iran are already underway.

He explained that due to Israel’s declaration of a state of emergency and the closure of all borders, evacuation from that country cannot currently take place without the express authorisation of Israeli authorities.

He said the Ministry is actively engaging those authorities in pursuit of that authorisation.

Mr Ablakwa added that regular communication channels have been established between Ghana’s embassy and the Ghanaian community in Israel.

He noted that access to bomb shelters has been arranged for all Ghanaian residents, and embassy staff are now working from home following advice from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

According to the Minister, an emergency evacuation plan for Israel has been approved by the Ministry and will be activated once the necessary conditions are met.

He assured that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama is taking all required steps to protect Ghanaians caught up in the conflict.