Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, says no Ghanaian has been killed or injured amid the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister disclosed that he convened a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General in the region to assess the evolving situation and coordinate further consular support for citizens.
“This evening, I convened a virtual meeting with our Ambassadors and Consuls General in the Middle East to assess the latest developments and explore additional consular interventions towards the protection of Ghanaians,” he stated.
Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Turkey participated in the discussions.
“I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian has been killed or injured,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He revealed that government has compiled a comprehensive and reliable database of Ghanaians residing in the affected countries, including those on short visits and individuals in transit.
“We have put together a reliable database of all Ghanaians in these countries, including those who were on short visits and those who were transiting,” he noted.
The Minister added that all missions have been instructed to identify citizens who may wish to leave the region for urgent government consideration.
“All missions have been tasked to identify Ghanaians within their jurisdictions who wish to be evacuated,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa further indicated that Ghana’s diplomatic missions are already assisting a number of nationals to exit through strategic border crossings.
He assured that the safety and welfare of Ghanaians abroad remain the government’s foremost priority.
“The safety and welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” he emphasised.
