Hundreds of Ghanaian nationals are currently trapped in Israel following the country’s declaration of a state of emergency and the closure of all borders due to rising tensions with Iran. 
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this alarming development in an official update shared on Monday, June 16, 2025. According to the Minister, the crisis has forced Israeli authorities to impose stringent restrictions, making it impossible for foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, to leave the country without special clearance.
In his second official statement on the issue, Minister Ablakwa revealed that Ghana’s Embassy in Israel has identified a total of 922 Ghanaian citizens residing in the country. This includes 65 students studying across six Israeli universities.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities among Ghanaians have been reported. However, unlike Iran—where evacuation operations are progressing—the volatile situation in Israel poses a much more complex challenge.
“With Israel currently under a state of emergency and all borders closed, we are unable to proceed with evacuation unless granted special permission by Israeli authorities,” the Minister explained.
To address the crisis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed a comprehensive Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel. Minister Ablakwa assured the public that the plan is ready and will be activated as soon as the necessary conditions and permissions are in place.
In the meantime, the Ghanaian government has strengthened communication lines with the Ghanaian community in Israel, providing regular updates and guidance. The Ghana Embassy in Tel Aviv has also shifted to remote operations, in compliance with a directive from the Israeli Foreign Ministry urging diplomatic missions to work from home for safety.
Minister Ablakwa further confirmed that steps have been taken to ensure all Ghanaian residents in Israel have access to bomb shelters and emergency supplies.
“The Mahama-led administration remains fully committed to the safety of every Ghanaian abroad,” Ablakwa stated. “We are pursuing all diplomatic avenues to ensure our people are protected and, when possible, brought home safely.”
https://x.com/S_OkudzetoAblak/status/1934730571315376338
As diplomatic efforts intensify and the region remains volatile, the focus remains on securing immediate safety for Ghanaians while preparing for a swift and safe evacuation once clearance is granted.
