‘Leave immediately’ — Foreign Affairs Ministry urge Ghanaians in troubled Lebanon

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued an urgent advisory calling on all Ghanaians living in Lebanon to leave the country immediately, citing the rapidly deteriorating security situation.

The government expressed grave concern over the safety of its nationals in the Middle Eastern nation and is urging them to take advantage of limited available flights out of the country.

In a press release issued on Friday, October 4, the Ministry emphasized the increasing risks posed by the crisis in Lebanon, advising Ghanaians to act swiftly to avoid being caught in potential danger.

“The rapidly unfolding crisis in Lebanon and its potential danger to Ghanaians living in that country, is a matter of great concern to the Government of Ghana,” the statement read in part.

Recognizing that some Ghanaians in Lebanon may lack travel documents, the Ministry has made provisions for them to obtain Emergency Travel Certificates.

Ghanaians in need of assistance are advised to contact the Embassy of Ghana in Cairo, Egypt, or the Ghana Honorary Consulate in Beirut for help.

“Those who may not have travel documents are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Ghana in Cairo, Egypt or the Ghana Honorary Consulate in Beirut, Lebanon to obtain Emergency Travel Certificates,” the government urged.

Just last month, large-scale cross-border attacks escalated in Lebanon, causing over 1,000 deaths and 6,352 injuries in less than two weeks, per reports.

This brings the total to more than 1,800 killed and 9,100 injured since October 2023.

The casualties include civilians, healthcare workers and humanitarian staff.