As violent clashes escalate between Israel and Iran, more than 900 Ghanaian nationals are currently stranded in Israel with no immediate route to safety, following a complete closure of Israeli borders and a nationwide state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities.

The development was confirmed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who issued an urgent public update on Monday, June 16, via social media.

According to the statement, 922 Ghanaians have been formally identified as residing in Israel, among them 65 students studying across six universities.

This crisis is unfolding in the wake of an intense military confrontation between Israel and Iran that erupted last week, prompting border shutdowns, air raid warnings, and mass civilian relocations within Israeli cities.

While Ghanaians in Iran are reportedly being evacuated without incident, those in Israel face more complicated and constrained options due to the lockdown conditions and heightened security protocols.

“With Israeli authorities declaring a state of emergency and closing all borders, an evacuation from Israel cannot be carried out now except with the express authorization of Israeli authorities,” Ablakwa stated.

He added that Ghana is “actively pursuing those approval options” through diplomatic channels and that an Emergency Evacuation Plan has already been approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is ready to be activated once security conditions allow.

Prioritising Protection
To provide immediate relief and reassurance, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Israel has launched regular communication lines with members of the Ghanaian community.

The embassy is also complying with guidance from Israeli authorities, which has instructed all foreign embassies to minimize physical operations and implement remote working protocols due to ongoing rocket attacks and the risk of mass casualties.

“The Ghanaian government is also working to ensure that our citizens have access to bomb shelters and are fully informed of emergency procedures,” the Minister emphasized.

Although no Ghanaian casualties have been reported, the government is on high alert and has signaled a zero-tolerance approach to risk where its citizens are concerned.

This latest diplomatic and humanitarian crisis places President John Mahama’s administration under renewed scrutiny.

However, Minister Ablakwa assured the public of the government’s unwavering focus on protecting its nationals.

“President Mahama’s Administration is resolved to spare no effort in ensuring that Ghanaians caught up in this Israeli-Iranian conflict are offered full protection and removed from danger. We shall not fail our compatriots,” he declared.

The unfolding scenario highlights the vulnerability of migrant populations during geopolitical crises and the urgent need for robust evacuation and contingency planning.

Observers say that while Ghana’s response so far has been measured and diplomatic, the real test will be in securing timely authorization for safe passage out of a country on the brink of full-scale war.

What Happens Next?

With tensions between Iran and Israel showing no signs of abating, the future remains uncertain for the Ghanaians trapped in the conflict zone.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has reiterated its commitment to continuous updates and real-time support as the situation develops.

Ghana joins a growing list of nations struggling to extract citizens from the epicentre of the Middle East conflict, as world powers call for de-escalation and humanitarian corridors.

Until borders reopen and a green light is granted for evacuation, hundreds of Ghanaian families at home will continue to hold their breath — hoping for safe returns amid rising fears.