Dozens of Ghanaians in Iran reject evacuation despite war- Foreign Affairs Committee

Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central and a ranking member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has raised alarm over the refusal of some Ghanaians in Iran to accept evacuation plans amid the deepening Israel-Iran conflict.

According to Mr. Boamah, approximately 50 Ghanaian nationals currently living in Iran have declined to return home despite mounting safety risks.

He disclosed that while six officials from Ghana’s consulate in Tehran are already en route to Ghana, the majority of remaining citizens have opted to stay.

Addressing the media, Mr. Boamah commended the government’s swift action but urged it to intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure all citizens can be brought home safely.

He stressed the importance of establishing robust safety arrangements and communication to convince the hesitant citizens to evacuate.

Mr. Boamah also appealed to the international community to step in and help de-escalate the conflict.

The comes in the wake of a government directive issued by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announcing the immediate evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from Iran due to growing instability in the region.

Mr. Ablakwa confirmed the closure of Ghana’s embassy in Tehran as a precautionary measure, with evacuation efforts already underway via land borders.

The evacuation includes diplomats, students, professionals, and other Ghanaian residents in the country.

He added that the government is closely monitoring related developments in Israel and will issue appropriate updates and guidance for Ghanaians there.