Ghana shuts down Tehran Embassy, evacuates citizens amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the immediate evacuation of all Ghanaians living in Iran, as hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify dangerously.

In a statement shared via Facebook on Monday, June 16, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that the Mahama administration made the swift decision out of an abundance of caution to prioritise the safety and security of Ghanaian nationals.

“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,” the Minister wrote.

As part of this urgent evacuation, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been shut down, and arrangements are underway to relocate all Ghanaian citizens — including diplomats, students, professionals, and expatriates — through Iran’s land borders into safer territories.

Mr. Ablakwa also disclosed that the government is monitoring the unfolding crisis in Israel with equal attention and has begun scaling back operations there.

“We are equally keenly following developments in Israel and will advise shortly,” he noted.

“In the interim, we have instructed that embassy operations in Tel Aviv be reduced to the barest minimum, and all Ghanaians in Israel must maintain close communication with our consular department.”

Reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that “no effort will be spared in protecting Ghanaian lives and keeping all Ghanaians out of harm's way.”

He also used the opportunity to urge calm and diplomacy between the warring nations.

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

The decision comes amid growing fears of a regional war, with both Iran and Israel launching retaliatory strikes in a rapidly escalating confrontation. Ghana now joins a list of countries moving quickly to evacuate nationals from conflict zones.