The Middle East is in turmoil following the Israeli-US attack on Iran, sparking retaliatory attacks by neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Yemen, as well as in Gaza.

Amid these attacks, civilians are suffering the most. So far, about 50 deaths have been reported in Lebanon, with injuries and additional fatalities recorded in other countries.

Governments worldwide, including that of Ghana, continue to intensify efforts to ensure the safety of their citizens.

In an update on the current state of Ghanaians in the Middle East, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stated that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured amid the escalating tensions in the Gulf countries.

He stated on Tuesday, March 3, in a formal statement, that the government had taken proactive steps to assess the situation and strengthen consular protection for citizens.

“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.

The meeting was attended by Heads of Mission in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Turkey.

“I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian has been killed or injured,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that a comprehensive database of Ghanaians in the affected countries had been compiled, including residents, short-term visitors, and those 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.

According to the Minister, all diplomatic missions have been instructed to identify citizens who may wish to be evacuated for urgent consideration by the government.

He further revealed that Ghana’s missions are currently assisting several nationals to exit through strategic border crossings.

“All missions have been tasked to identify Ghanaians within their jurisdictions who wish to be evacuated for the urgent consideration of the government,” he said, adding that “our diplomatic missions are currently assisting a considerable number of Ghanaians escape across certain strategic border crossings.”

The North Tongu MP emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens.

“The safety and welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” he emphasised.

The government has indicated that it will continue to monitor developments closely as tensions persist in the region.

Meanwhile, Ghana has closed its embassy in Tehran indefinitely and evacuated all diplomatic staff in response to escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Announcing the decision on social media on Monday, March 2, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that all Ghanaian embassy staff have been safely evacuated from Iran.

“The safety, welfare, and protection of Ghanaians remains our utmost priority in these tempestuous times,” he stated. On Monday, March 2, the Ghanaian Embassy in Doha directed all Ghanaian nationals residing in Qatar to register with the mission as part of emergency preparedness measures amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Embassy in a statement explained that this forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals. The Embassy of Ghana Doha, State of Qatar on Sunday, March 1, advised Ghanaians living in the area to exercise caution and remain vigilant during this period.

A press statement from the Embassy of Ghana Doha, State of Qatar read, “Due to missle attack and its impact in Doha, please take shelter until further notice, obtain information from official sources. We urge everyone to stay from military states, remain indoors, avoid crowded areas for any exposure to danger and keep essentials supplies like medication and food”.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Doha hereby urges all Ghanaian nationals residing in the State of Qatar who have not registered to immediately do so, as part of ongoing emergency preparedness measures.

“In view of the heightened tensions and unrest within the region, this registration will enable the Embassy to effectively communicate with, assist, and, if necessary, coordinate evacuation arrangements for Ghanaian citizens,” it noted.

Foreign Affairs Ministry has advised prospective pilgrims to temporarily suspend their travel to Saudi Arabia for their Umrah due to the widespread instability and disrupted air travel restrictions in the Gulf States.

The Ministry said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise prospective Umrah pilgrims in Ghana that travel arrangements for Umrah may be affected by the rapidly evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East.”

It continued that “The Ministry therefore advises all prospective Umrah pilgrims who are currently in Ghana and yet to commence their journey to temporarily hold on with travel plans until the situation stabilises. The safety and well-being of Ghanaian nationals remain the Government's utmost priority.”

To ensure the safety of all Ghanaians who are currently in the Gulf, stay calm and keep in touch with the Consulate there.

“Ghanaians who are already in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Umrah are advised to remain calm, comply strictly with directives issued by local authorities, and maintain regular contact with their travel agents, the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.

Prospective pilgrims and Ghanaian nationals requiring further information or emergency consular assistance may contact the Embassy in Saudi Arabia or Ghana," the statement added.