Ghana has completed the evacuation of its citizens who requested assistance to leave Israel, marking a major milestone in the government’s efforts to safeguard nationals abroad amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday, March 19, 2026. He confirmed that all Ghanaians who opted for evacuation have returned home safely.
“Our evacuation operation in Israel has been a success. We have safely evacuated all Ghanaians who expressed the desire to be assisted by the Government of Ghana out of Israel back home,” he stated.
The operation also included the relocation of some staff from Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv. However, the Minister clarified that a full withdrawal was not undertaken, as a limited number of personnel remain to provide essential consular services to Ghanaians still residing in Israel.
“Government has decided to leave behind a few critical staff for necessary consular support,” he noted.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed gratitude to both Israeli and Egyptian authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation, indicating that the process likely involved transit through Egypt—a common route in such emergency operations.
He also warmly welcomed the evacuees, confirming that they arrived in Ghana just hours before his announcement.
The evacuation comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. The situation has prompted several countries to initiate precautionary evacuations of their citizens from the region.
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The administration of John Dramani Mahama had earlier emphasised its commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad. Speaking during his Resetting Ghana Tour in the Bono Region, President Mahama expressed confidence in the country’s ability to navigate the external pressures arising from the geopolitical crisis.
Reaffirming this commitment, Mr. Ablakwa indicated that the government remains prepared to undertake further evacuation efforts if conditions in the region worsen.
The successful operation underscores Ghana’s proactive approach to citizen safety and its readiness to respond swiftly to international crises.
