Ghana shuts down Embassy in Tehran; plans to evacuate nationals from Iran

The government of Ghana has commenced the emergency evacuation of nationals from Iran following heightened tensions and the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the decision via social media on Monday [June 16]. 

He described it as a proactive measure to protect Ghanaian lives. The evacuation order, he noted, affects all Ghanaian nationals in Iran — including diplomats, students, professionals, and other residents.

“The Mahama Administration has, in the interest of the protection of Ghanaian lives, decided to immediately evacuate Ghanaians living in Iran following an escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict,” Mr Ablakwa indicated.

As part of the evacuation effort, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been shut down with immediate effect to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff. The operation is being carried out via Iran’s land borders, according to the minister.

Meanwhile, the government says it is monitoring developments in Israel closely. Although no evacuation order has been issued for Ghanaians living in Israel at this stage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered embassy operations in Tel Aviv to scale down to the barest minimum.

“All Ghanaians in Israel must maintain close communication with our consular department,” Mr Ablakwa added.

The Mahama administration has also reiterated Ghana’s longstanding diplomatic position, calling for restraint and urging both Israel and Iran to pursue peaceful dialogue.

“The Government of Ghana reiterates its demand on both parties to pursue diplomatic options and end hostilities,” the minister concluded.

Ghana is among the first African countries to initiate formal evacuation measures in response to the conflict, which has triggered international alarm over the possibility of a wider regional war.

Read the announcement in a Facebook post below: