Ministry of Foreign Affairs pushes for evacuation of Ghanaians stuck in Israel

Over 900 Ghanaians are currently stuck in Israel as the country enforces a state of emergency and shuts its borders due to an ongoing conflict with Iran.

This update was shared by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in a Twitter post on Monday, June 16. He provided details about how the government is working to ensure the safety of Ghanaians caught in the crisis.

In what he called “UPDATE No. 2,” the Minister revealed that Ghana’s Embassy in Israel has identified 922 Ghanaians living in the country, including 65 students enrolled in six Israeli universities. These individuals now face serious challenges as the conflict intensifies.

Minister Ablakwa stated: “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.”

He also reassured the public that the government is doing its best to help: “Ghana is actively pursuing those approval options” so that a safe evacuation can take place as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel. According to the Minister, this plan will be “promptly activated when conditions are met.”

Meanwhile, the Ghanaian Embassy has opened communication lines with the Ghanaian community in Israel to offer regular updates and emotional support.

In line with safety advice from the Israeli government, Ghana’s embassy staff are now working from home. Mr. Ablakwa noted that “the government is ensuring that all Ghanaians living in Israel have access to bomb shelters.”

He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad: “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.”

With borders still closed and fighting ongoing, Ghana’s efforts are now focused on diplomatic talks to gain permission for ev

acuation.