Ghana has shuttered its embassy in Tehran and begun evacuating its citizens from Iran, citing growing security concerns as hostilities between Iran and Israel escalate.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the closure Monday, stating that the decision was made to protect Ghanaian nationals amid rising regional instability. “The Mahama administration has, in the interest of the protection of Ghanaian lives, decided to immediately evacuate Ghanaians living in Iran following an escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict,” Mr. Ablakwa said in a post on social media.

The evacuation, which began over the weekend, is being conducted through Iran’s land borders and includes diplomats, students, professionals, and other Ghanaian nationals. Mr. Ablakwa assured the public that efforts are underway to guarantee the safe passage of all evacuees.

“To guarantee the safety of our embassy staff, Ghana’s embassy in Tehran has been closed with immediate effect,” the minister added.

The West African nation is also scaling down its diplomatic presence in Israel. Mr. Ablakwa said operations at the embassy in Tel Aviv have been reduced “to the barest minimum,” urging Ghanaians in Israel to remain in close contact with consular officials.

The Ghanaian government reiterated its support for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, emphasizing that the safety of its citizens remains a top priority.

The move marks one of the first African diplomatic withdrawals from Iran in response to the latest wave of hostilities in the region, underscoring the far-reaching implications of the ongoing conflict.

Source:TheDotNews