Ghana activates evacuation plan for nationals in Iran amid rising Middle East tensions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong advisory in response to rising hostilities in the Middle East, urging Ghanaian citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid all non-essential travel to the region.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry pointed to ongoing coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, as well as reported retaliatory actions by Iran directed at United States and Israeli assets in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The escalating tensions have already resulted in airspace closures, flight disruptions and heightened security alerts across parts of the region.

The Government called on all parties involved to demonstrate restraint and return to diplomatic engagement in order to safeguard lives, protect economic stability and ensure lasting regional peace.

Ghanaian nationals residing in or travelling through the affected countries have been advised to remain indoors where possible, comply strictly with directives issued by local authorities, avoid large gatherings and maintain heightened vigilance at all times.

The Ministry disclosed that emergency preparedness measures have been activated, with ongoing assessments regarding the possible evacuation of Ghanaian nationals if necessary. It confirmed that some staff of Ghana’s Embassy in Tehran have already been evacuated, while essential personnel remain in place to support citizens still in Iran.

According to the statement, the Ministry and Ghana’s diplomatic missions in the region are on high alert to provide consular assistance. Ghanaians requiring urgent support have been urged to contact designated embassy and mission hotlines in Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.