Middle East hostilities: Government to immediately evacuate Ghanaians in Iran — Ablakwa

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghanaians living in Iran will be evacuated immediately, following renewed hostilities between the Islamic Republic and Israel.

On Friday morning, June 13, explosions hit Tehran after Israel launched a major attack targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iran, in response, threatened “severe punishment” and launched a wave of missile strikes hours later.

In a social media post on Monday, June 16, the minister revealed that Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been shut down with immediate effect.

“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.

“To guarantee the safety of our embassy staff, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been closed with immediate effect,” he stated.

The evacuation, which will be carried out through land borders, covers all Ghanaian diplomats, students, professionals, and other nationals.

“Meanwhile, we are equally keenly following developments in Israel and will advise shortly. 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.

“Government assures that no effort will be spared in protecting Ghanaian lives and keeping all Ghanaians out of harm’s way,” the minister added.