The Government of Ghana has announced the immediate closure of its embassy in Tehran in response to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. The decision, according to Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, was made to prioritize the safety and security of Ghanaian citizens.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, 16 June, the minister confirmed that the Mahama-led administration has ordered the immediate evacuation of Ghanaians currently residing in Iran due to the worsening security situation.
“To protect Ghanaian lives, we have decided to promptly evacuate all Ghanaians in Iran following the sharp escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. “As a precautionary measure, our embassy in Tehran has been shut down with immediate effect to ensure the safety of our diplomatic staff.”
He noted that evacuation operations are underway and are being facilitated through Iran’s land borders. These efforts cover Ghanaian nationals including diplomats, students, professionals, and other citizens currently in the country.
The minister also mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the security developments in Israel. As a precaution, operations at Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv have been significantly scaled down. Ghanaians living in Israel have been urged to maintain regular contact with consular officials for updates and support.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to peace, the government has called for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict and stressed that every possible step will be taken to safeguard the lives of its citizens.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem