The government of Ghana has given firm assurances that all Ghanaian nationals currently residing in Israel have access to bomb shelters, amid intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran.

This commitment follows the government’s authorisation of the immediate evacuation of all Ghanaians living in Iran, where tensions remain dangerously high. However, evacuation from Israel has been temporarily halted due to the closure of all Israeli borders.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, 17 June, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the evacuation from Iran is proceeding smoothly, with no reported Ghanaian casualties.

“We are ensuring that all Ghanaians living in Israel have access to bomb shelters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel, which will be promptly activated when conditions are met,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

He further revealed that Ghana’s embassy in Israel has identified 922 Ghanaians currently residing in the country, including 65 students enrolled in six Israeli universities. Regular communication channels have been established with the Ghanaian community, and embassy staff are currently operating remotely, in line with directives from Israeli authorities.

“With Israeli authorities declaring a state of emergency and closing all borders, an evacuation from Israel cannot be carried out now except with the express authorisation of Israeli authorities — Ghana is pursuing those approval options,” he said.

“In a briefing by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, all diplomats and embassy officials from all over the world have been encouraged to work from home — our embassy is complying with that advice.”

The recent flare-up in the region was triggered by a surprise Israeli strike on Friday, which reportedly eliminated top Iranian military figures and severely damaged sensitive nuclear installations. In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa, destroying several residential areas and fuelling global fears of a broader regional conflict.

Iran has vowed fierce retaliation, warning it would “open the gates of hell” in response.

In response, the Government of Ghana has reiterated its call for de-escalation and diplomacy, urging both nations to prioritise peace.

Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed President John Mahama’s administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all Ghanaian citizens caught up in the conflict.