Ghana Begins Evacuation Effort, First Batch Relocated from Iran to Turkey

The Government of Ghana has commenced the evacuation of its citizens from conflict-prone areas in the Middle East, beginning with a successful operation to move Ghanaians from Iran to neighboring Turkey. The move comes as part of an emergency response strategy initiated in light of rising geopolitical tensions in the region.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa made the announcement in a Facebook post on Friday, June 20, indicating that the first group of Ghanaian nationals has been safely relocated from Iran. He assured the public that efforts are already in motion to evacuate citizens currently residing in Israel as well.

The Minister disclosed that earlier in the week, separate high-level consultations were held with the Ambassadors of Iran and Israel to coordinate the safe evacuation of Ghanaians. On Tuesday, he met with Israeli Ambassador H.E. Roey Gilad, followed by a meeting with Iranian Ambassador H.E. Ali Ghomshi on Wednesday. These engagements formed a critical part of President John Dramani Mahama’s emergency diplomatic framework aimed at protecting Ghanaian lives in volatile regions.

Ablakwa emphasized that the primary goal of these discussions was to ensure border access and the safe transit of Ghanaian nationals amid escalating hostilities. According to him, the talks proved fruitful, resulting in the successful execution of the first phase of the evacuation from Iran.

While the evacuation operation was the central focus, the Minister said the meetings also offered Ghana an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with both nations and gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics fueling the current crisis. He added that Ghana is committed to upholding its longstanding foreign policy principles, which prioritize peace-building and non-alignment.

In a candid moment during his meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, Ablakwa said he conveyed Ghana’s dissatisfaction with recent public statements made by the envoy, in which he criticized Ghana’s voting record at international forums. The Minister firmly defended Ghana’s right to pursue an independent foreign policy.

“I made it clear that our decisions at the global level are guided by principles, not pressure. Ghana’s positions reflect our commitment to international law, multilateral diplomacy, and a rules-based global order,” he stated.

He further pointed out that Ghana’s approach to international relations is rooted in its 1992 Constitution, which enshrines values such as peace, neutrality, and respect for sovereignty. These principles, Ablakwa stressed, are even more significant now as Ghana holds influential roles on the international stage, including a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council and the chairmanship of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s governing board.

Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s call for a de-escalation of tensions and urged both Israel and Iran to pursue diplomatic dialogue and cease hostilities immediately. He noted that Ghana, consistent with its peace-oriented foreign policy, advocates for restraint and believes strongly in resolving disputes through nonviolent means.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the Ghanaian government has pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad. The Foreign Ministry has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the timely evacuation of all affected nationals.

Ghana’s evacuation effort underscores the government’s commitment to citizen protection, diplomacy, and principled foreign policy even amid global uncertainty and conflict.