- 922 Ghanaians identified in Israel, including 65 students
- Israeli borders closed due to state of emergency
- Evacuation only possible with Israeli government approval
A considerable number of Ghanaian nationals are currently stranded in Israel amid escalating tensions with Iran, as Israeli authorities have declared a state of emergency and sealed all borders, making it impossible for foreign nationals to leave without special authorization.
This critical development was shared by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in a Twitter update on Monday, June 16. He outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to protect Ghanaian citizens affected by the growing regional crisis.
In his “UPDATE No. 2,” Minister Ablakwa revealed that Ghana’s Embassy in Israel has accounted for 922 Ghanaians residing in the country. Among them are 65 students enrolled across six Israeli universities, reflecting the varied makeup of those impacted.
While no injuries or fatalities involving Ghanaians have been reported and evacuation efforts from Iran are progressing well, the situation in Israel poses distinct challenges. “With Israeli authorities enforcing a state of emergency and shutting down all borders, evacuation is not currently feasible without explicit permission from Israeli officials,” Ablakwa explained. He added that Ghana is actively pursuing these necessary authorizations to enable a safe departure.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel, which, according to the Minister, will be swiftly implemented once conditions allow.
In the meantime, communication channels have been established with the Ghanaian community in Israel to provide ongoing support and updates. Following guidance from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, which has advised diplomats and embassy personnel to work from home, Ghana’s embassy is adhering to this protocol to protect its staff.
Minister Ablakwa also stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Ghanaians in Israel have access to bomb shelters and essential safety measures.
The Mahama Administration, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting Ghanaian lives.
“President Mahama’s Administration is fully committed to doing everything necessary to ensure the safety and evacuation of Ghanaians caught in the Israel-Iran conflict. We will not let our people down,” Ablakwa declared.
As hostilities escalate and border closures persist, the government remains focused on diplomatic efforts to obtain the clearances required for a secure evacuation.
