Tehran on Edge: Ghana begins embassy evacuation as conflict widens

Ghana has begun a partial evacuation of its embassy in Tehran following a sharp escalation in hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday.

In a statement issued on February 28, 2026, the Ministry said it is closely monitoring with serious concern the escalating hostilities in the Middle East, after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran triggered retaliatory actions across the Gulf.

The government confirmed that it has activated an emergency preparedness plan and has already started withdrawing some staff from its mission in Tehran.

“An emergency preparedness plan has been activated, and assessments are ongoing regarding the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals where necessary. The Government has at this time initiated the evacuation of a number of staff of the Embassy of Ghana in Tehran, retaining essential personnel to coordinate assistance to Ghanaians in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement said.

According to the Ministry, Iran’s reported responses have targeted Israeli and US military assets in parts of the region, particularly in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The situation has led to airspace closures, flight disruptions, and heightened security alerts, raising concerns for Ghanaian nationals living and working in those countries.

The government is urging all parties involved in the conflict to step back from further escalation.

“The Government of Ghana calls on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate and return to diplomatic engagement in the interest of protecting lives, ensuring economic stability and lasting regional peace,” the statement stressed.

Ghanaians resident in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have been advised to remain indoors where possible and strictly comply with directives from local authorities.

The Ministry further urged nationals in affected areas to avoid large gatherings and sensitive locations, maintain heightened vigilance, and closely monitor official communications.

They have also been asked to keep their travel documents readily accessible and stay in contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission. In addition, the Ministry advised against all non-essential travel to and from the Middle East until further notice.

While a full-scale evacuation of Ghanaian nationals has not yet been announced, officials say assessments are ongoing, and further action will be taken if conditions deteriorate.

The Ministry and Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the region remain on standby to provide consular assistance to citizens who may require support as tensions continue to unfold.

When an earlier wave of hostilities escalated in June 2025, Ghana closed its Tehran embassy and successfully evacuated the first group of Ghanaian nationals to Turkey by June 20, 2025, following intense diplomatic engagements with both Iranian and Israeli ambassadors.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa personally coordinated that effort, covering Ghanaian diplomats, students, professionals, and other compatriots evacuated via land borders.

Ghanaians requiring emergency consular support may contact the Ministry on +233 240 913 284 or +233 240 793 072, or reach the Ghana Embassy in Israel on +972 54 931 6007. All Ghanaians in affected countries are urged to register with their nearest diplomatic mission immediately.