Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Ghana's former Vice‑President and New Patriotic Party flagbearer for election 2028, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and his wife, Samira Bawumia, have been securely relocated from Qatar to another country, diplomatic sources have confirmed to JoyNews.

The move was coordinated by Ghanaian diplomatic missions in the region following direct instructions from Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Acting on behalf of the government of Ghana, the Foreign Affairs Minister directed Ghanaian embassies in the Middle East to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the former Vice‑President, his wife and their entourage.

Embassy officials worked with host authorities to facilitate the swift and discreet travel arrangements. Operational details remain undisclosed for security reasons, but officials describe the process as smooth and well‑coordinated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government of Ghana say they are working around the clock to safeguard all Ghanaians residing in, or travelling through, affected parts of the Middle East. Authorities add that monitoring efforts remain ongoing, with embassies on standby to provide consular support and emergency assistance where necessary.

Escalating Middle East Crisis

The Middle East has been engulfed in one of the most intense regional crises in years following a sharp escalation in hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The current conflict has expanded beyond traditional theatres, with military strikes, missile and drone exchanges reported across several countries in the region.

This crisis centres on the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, which began on 28 February 2026 after coordinated military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran. The offensive targeted military facilities and leadership structures, triggering Iranian retaliatory attacks and effectively disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for about 20% of global crude oil shipments.

The conflict’s impact has been felt far beyond the military front. Airspace closures across Gulf states, disruptions to international travel and heightened geopolitical uncertainty have compounded the humanitarian toll in parts of the region. The United Nations has warned that deepening violence is exacerbating civilian suffering and complicating relief efforts.

Ghana has responded by activating emergency preparedness plans and, in recent days, evacuating diplomatic personnel from Tehran and other hotspots as regional security concerns mount.