African and International Relations Analyst, Nana Yaw Mireku, has welcomed the government’s decision to temporarily close its embassy in Tehran, describing the move as a “step in the right direction” amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

The government of Ghana announced the immediate closure of its embassy in Tehran as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.

The decision was made in the interest of safeguarding Ghanaian lives, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who disclosed this in a post on social media on Monday, 16 June.

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Speaking on JoyNews Newsdesk on Monday, June 16, Mr Mireku stressed the importance of pre-emptive action to ensure the safety and security of Ghanaian nationals abroad, particularly in regions facing heightened geopolitical instability.

“I think it is in the interest of all nations with embassies in Tehran and even in Israel to start considering how best to protect and safeguard their citizens,” Mr Mireku said.

“I think that it’s a step in the right direction if we have Ghana’s Foreign Ministry deciding to close the embassy down in Tehran, and then look at how to get in touch with its citizens and probably get them to other states or probably bring them back to Ghana. I think it’s a step in the right direction," he said.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have remained high in recent months, with no clear signs of de-escalation.

Mr Mireku noted that this persistent volatility makes early diplomatic and protective measures not only advisable, but necessary.

“It doesn’t look like what is happening between Israel and Iran is going to end anytime soon,” he added.

“It’s only right that we start doing what we have to do before the situation deteriorates further.”

He described the move by Ghana’s Foreign Ministry as a “timely intervention.”