Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana has completed the evacuation of all its citizens who requested government assistance to leave Israel, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced, describing the operation as a success.
Ablakwa made the announcement on his official Facebook page on Thursday, March 19, 2026, confirming that the evacuees had arrived safely in Ghana.
"Our evacuation operation in Israel has been a success. We have safely evacuated all Ghanaians who expressed the desire to be assisted by the Government of Ghana out of Israel back home," he wrote.
The evacuation also covered some diplomatic staff from Ghana's Embassy in Tel Aviv.
However, the Minister clarified that not all embassy personnel were pulled out; a skeleton crew has been left behind to provide essential consular services to Ghanaians who remain in Israel.
"Government has decided to leave behind a few critical staff for necessary consular support," Ablakwa noted.
The Foreign Affairs Minister extended appreciation to both Israeli and Egyptian authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the operation, suggesting the evacuation route passed through Egypt, a detail consistent with the regional logistics of moving civilians out of Israel amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
Ablakwa warmly welcomed the returning Ghanaians, saying they arrived in Ghana "a few hours ago."
The successful evacuation comes as the Middle East remains on edge following escalating tensions in the Israel-US-Iran conflict, which has prompted several governments across the world to begin pulling their nationals out of the region as a precautionary measure.
President John Mahama's administration had earlier signalled its intention to prioritise the safety of Ghanaians abroad in the face of the conflict.
Speaking during his Resetting Ghana Tour in the Bono Region earlier this week, President Mahama expressed confidence in Ghana's ability to manage the external pressures stemming from the geopolitical tensions.
"The Mahama Administration will continue with safe evacuation efforts as we prioritise the welfare of all Ghanaians," Ablakwa pledged, leaving open the possibility of further operations should the situation in the region deteriorate.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana needs a law to sustain constitutional reforms – CDD-Ghana
1 hour -
COVID fumigation audit: Auditor-General has a lot of questions to answer – Akwatia MP
1 hour -
Stranded Ghanaian medical graduates in Cuba appeal to Mahama for immediate return
1 hour -
GNFS contains fire outbreak at Teshie Lekma Road near Lekma Hospital
8 hours -
Samia Nkrumah rejects the narrative that Ghanaians were happy after Nkrumah’s overthrow
9 hours -
A Mother’s pain: Tribute by Ivan Baidoo’s mother
9 hours -
‘Forgive us for staying away’ — Samia Nkrumah leads family back to Nkroful, pledges to preserve Nkrumah’s legacy
9 hours -
Ernest Nuamah scores twice as Lyon beat Rennes
9 hours -
‘My dear Ivan’ – A father’s tribute to a son tragically killed
9 hours -
GNPC Explorco advances Voltaian Basin drilling preparations with 13.5km access road
9 hours -
Cabinet approves facility manager for Borteyman Sports Complex – Kofi Adams
10 hours -
Sanitation is improving; critics may be ‘living in another world’ – Salaga South MP replies Bekwai MP
10 hours -
Government must do more to tackle sanitation crisis – Bekwai MP
10 hours -
World Cleanup Day: GFF begins sanitation education in local communities
11 hours -
EU Ambassador, IGP discuss stronger cooperation on policing and security
11 hours