The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghanaians who sought government assistance to leave Israel have safely returned home following a successful evacuation exercise.
The operation, carried out in response to rising security concerns in the Middle East, ensured that all citizens who expressed interest in being evacuated were transported back to Ghana without incident.
In a statement, Mr. Ablakwa confirmed the success of the mission, stating, “Our evacuation operation in Israel has been a success. We have safely evacuated all Ghanaians who expressed the desire to be assisted by the Government of Ghana.”
The exercise also involved the relocation of some staff from Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv. However, a small number of essential personnel have remained in Israel to continue offering consular services to Ghanaians still in the country.
The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed gratitude to both Israel and Egypt for their cooperation and support, which he said was crucial in facilitating the smooth execution of the evacuation.
Mr. Ablakwa further extended a warm welcome to the evacuees, who arrived in Ghana earlier on Thursday, March 19, and assured them of the government’s continued support as they reintegrate.
He emphasised that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad and will not hesitate to undertake similar interventions when necessary.
The evacuation comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, prompting several countries to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their citizens in affected areas.
