Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that no Ghanaian has suffered fatalities or injuries amidst the recent events in the Middle East, as the government amplifies its efforts to safeguard its citizens in the area.
In a Facebook update on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister revealed that he held a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General stationed in the Middle East to evaluate the circumstances and coordinate further consular actions.\
“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 mentioned that Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Iran, and Turkey took part in the meeting.
“I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian has been killed or injured,” he stated.
The Minister indicated that the government has established a thorough and dependable database of Ghanaians residing in the affected nations, which includes those on brief 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 further noted that all missions have been instructed to locate citizens who may wish to depart the region.
“All missions have been tasked to identify Ghanaians within their jurisdictions who wish to be evacuated for the urgent consideration of the government”.
Mr. Ablakwa also disclosed that Ghana’s diplomatic missions are already aiding several citizens in exiting through strategic border crossings.
“Meanwhile, our diplomatic missions are currently assisting a considerable number of Ghanaians escape across certain strategic border crossings.”
He reassured that the safety and well-being of Ghanaians abroad continue to be the government’s highest priority.
“The safety and welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority”.
