Why Ghanaians In Israel Can’t Be Evacuated Immediately

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says 922 Ghanaians have been identified as residents of Israel, 65 of which are students studying in six Israeli universities.

The Minister had plans of immediately evacuating them all from the country as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated, however, that appears impossible.

This is because Israel has declared a state of emergency with all its borders closed.

In a statement, he said an evacuation from Israel cannot be carried out now except with the express authorization of Israeli authorities.

According to him, Ghana is pursuing those approval options.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Israel which will be promptly activated when conditions are met,” he said, adding that Ghana’s embassy in Israel was complying with advice for all diplomats and embassy officials to work from home.

He added that channels for regular communication with the Ghanaian community have been established while ensuring that all Ghanaians living in Israel have access to bomb shelters.

Meanwhile, he said the ongoing evacuation process in Iran was proceeding successfully.

Reporting zero injuries to Ghanaians, the lawmaker noted that President Mahama’s Administration would spare no effort in ensuring that Ghanaians caught up in this Israeli-Iranian conflict are offered full protection and removed from danger.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/