The Government of Ghana has called on Iran and Israel to immediately pursue diplomatic solutions and end escalating hostilities, as tensions between the two Middle Eastern nations threaten to spiral further out of control.
In a statement issued on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced emergency measures being taken by the Ghanaian government to ensure the safety of its citizens in both countries.
“Government assures that no effort would be spared in protecting Ghanaian lives and keeping all Ghanaians out of harm’s way,” Mr. Ablakwa wrote.
As part of immediate protective actions, Ghana has closed its embassy in Tehran, Iran, and commenced the evacuation of all Ghanaian nationals, including students, professionals, diplomats, and other residents.
“To guarantee the safety of our embassy staff, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been closed with immediate effect. The evacuation through land borders covers all Ghanaian diplomats, students, professionals, and other compatriots,” Ablakwa confirmed.
The decision follows a deadly escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, which saw Iranian missiles strike Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least eight people and destroying homes, prompting threats of retaliation from Israel’s defence minister.
While no immediate evacuation is underway in Israel, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv will reduce operations to the barest minimum, and all Ghanaians in Israel have been advised to maintain constant contact with the consular department.
“We are equally following developments in Israel and will advise shortly,” Ablakwa said.
Call for Diplomacy Amid Rising Nuclear Tensions
The Ghanaian government is urging both Iran and Israel to cease hostilities and seek diplomatic resolution, reiterating the country’s longstanding support for peaceful conflict resolution.
This appeal comes amid reports that Iran is considering withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), heightening fears of a broader conflict. Meanwhile, Israel has continued its airstrikes, killing four top Iranian intelligence officials on Monday, according to Israeli military sources.
Although Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, it has neither confirmed nor denied this and remains the only Middle Eastern nation not to sign the NPT.
Background
The latest surge in violence between Israel and Iran has drawn international concern. Reports indicate that of the nearly 100 missiles launched by Iran overnight, seven landed in Israel, with Israel claiming to have destroyed over a third of Iran’s missile launchers.
As the situation unfolds, Ghana’s foreign ministry has emphasized the need for de-escalation and reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they are located.
