The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the first group of Ghanaian nationals has been successfully evacuated from Iran to Turkey, marking a key step in the government’s emergency response amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a Facebook post published on Friday, June 20, Mr. Ablakwa announced that similar evacuation efforts are being initiated for Ghanaians living in Israel as the conflict in the region intensifies.
Earlier in the week, the Minister held strategic meetings with the ambassadors of Iran and Israel, during which he presented the Mahama administration’s comprehensive emergency evacuation plan. The objective of the engagements, he explained, was to secure diplomatic coordination and border clearances needed to ensure safe passage for Ghanaian citizens.
“These engagements have also enriched our understanding of the ongoing conflict,” Ablakwa noted.
In his statement, the Minister also responded to recent remarks made by the Israeli Ambassador regarding Ghana’s voting patterns in international forums. He used the opportunity to reassert Ghana’s right to exercise an independent foreign policy, grounded in national interest and international law.
“I urged him to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, pacifist approach to peace building, non-alignment, respect for the UN Charter, adherence to the rule-based international order, belief in multilateralism and strict compliance with international law,” he stated.
Mr. Ablakwa ended his post with a firm appeal for an immediate ceasefire and encouraged peaceful diplomacy between the warring sides. He stressed that Ghana remains committed to upholding peace, neutrality, and the protection of its citizens abroad.
The situation continues to be monitored closely by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more evacuation logistics expected to be rolled out in the coming days.
