First batch of Ghanaians in Iran evacuated – Ablakwa confirms

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the first group of Ghanaians in Iran has been successfully evacuated to Turkey, as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.

The move follows a directive by the Mahama-led administration for the immediate evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from Iran as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety.

In a post on social media platform X on Friday, June 19, the Minister confirmed that the first batch of evacuees had arrived safely in Turkey and assured that preparations were underway for the evacuation of Ghanaians currently in Israel.

“So far, the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully. Our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly.”

Mr. Ablakwa also disclosed that he held separate meetings this week with the Ambassadors of Israel and Iran to discuss Ghana’s emergency evacuation strategy and secure support for safe border passage for Ghanaian nationals.

“This week, I invited the ambassadors of Israel and Iran to my office for separate meetings. On Tuesday, I met with H.E. Roey Gilad of Israel and then held talks with H.E. Ali Ghomshi of Iran on Wednesday. The meetings afforded me the opportunity to convey the Mahama Administration’s emergency evacuation strategy for Ghanaians living in their countries with the two ambassadors for onward communication to their governments to facilitate border access approvals,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that the discussions not only helped advance evacuation logistics but also deepened Ghana’s understanding of the unfolding conflict in the region.

Mr. Ablakwa further noted that during his meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, he conveyed Ghana’s strong objection to recent public statements by the envoy criticizing Ghana’s voting record at international forums.

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