In a developing situation that has placed many Ghanaian nationals in a tight spot, the Government of Ghana is actively addressing the challenges faced by its citizens in Israel amidst a state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities due to escalating tensions with Iran. The announcement came from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who provided an update via Twitter on June 16, clarifying the government's response to the ongoing crisis.
As the conflict intensifies, the Ghanaian Embassy in Israel has identified a total of 922 nationals residing within its borders, a number that includes 65 students attending six different universities across the country. This statistic reveals the varied landscape of Ghanaian citizens affected by the situation, sparking concern among families and friends back home.
Minister Ablakwa emphasized that, fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities or injuries among the Ghanaian community in Israel. He also noted that evacuation operations from Iran are progressing smoothly; however, the scenario in Israel poses significant challenges for this group. “With the declaration of a state of emergency and the closure of all borders by Israeli authorities, conducting evacuations from Israel is currently unfeasible without explicit authorization,” he explained.
In response to these unprecedented conditions, the Ghanaian government is actively pursuing options to secure the necessary permissions to facilitate a safe exit for its citizens. An Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel has already been sanctioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Minister Ablakwa assured that it will be “promptly activated when conditions are favorable.”
In the meantime, the Ghanaian Embassy has established ongoing communication channels to keep the diaspora informed and supported during this crisis. This measure aims to provide essential information and assistance to those affected, ensuring that the community remains connected and well-informed amid the turmoil.
Responding to a directive from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, which recommended that embassy officials work remotely, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Israel is adhering to these guidelines to prioritize the safety of its personnel. Moreover, Minister Ablakwa highlighted the importance of safety measures, stating that the government is ensuring that all Ghanaians in Israel have access to bomb shelters to protect themselves during this volatile period.
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Reflecting the urgency and commitment of the administration, Ablakwa stated, “President Mahama’s government is dedicated to sparing no effort in ensuring the safety of our citizens caught in the Israeli-Iranian conflict. We will uphold our responsibility to protect and assist our compatriots.” With borders sealed and the situation evolving rapidly, the focus for the Ghanaian government remains on diplomatic efforts to secure the necessary authorizations for the safe evacuation of its citizens in Israel. As the conflict continues to unfold, the Ghanaian community and their families await news on the developments that could shape their futures.
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