Ghana has begun coordinated evacuation preparations and cross-border support for its nationals living and travelling across parts of the Middle East, as government intensifies measures to protect citizens amid rising regional tensions.

The intervention follows an emergency virtual meeting convened by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General stationed in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Turkey.

The high-level discussions centred specifically on evacuation readiness, enhanced consular coordination and practical steps to move Ghanaians to safety where necessary.

As part of the strategy, Ghana’s diplomatic missions have compiled a detailed and verified database of nationals within their jurisdictions. The register includes long-term residents, short-term visitors and even travellers in transit, allowing embassies to quickly account for citizens and prioritise assistance.

Missions have also been directed to identify individuals who wish to leave their host countries so their evacuation can be urgently considered by government. This is expected to streamline decision-making and ensure that vulnerable persons are supported first.

In the meantime, consular officials on the ground are already facilitating the movement of several Ghanaians through designated and secure border crossings to safer locations, providing logistical guidance and direct assistance to those affected.

In an update shared on Facebook, Ablakwa assured the public that, despite the uncertainties, no Ghanaian fatalities or injuries have been recorded so far as the war between US-Israel and Iran continues.

He stressed that the safety and welfare of Ghanaian citizens remains the government’s topmost priority, noting that all missions have been placed on heightened alert to respond swiftly to any emergency.

The evacuation arrangements mark a proactive step by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to ensure that Ghanaians in the region receive timely protection and support as developments continue to unfold.