The Minority Caucus in Parliament is urging the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to prioritize the safety and well-being of Ghanaians caught in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
According to the Minority, Ghanaian nationals in these conflict zones should be regarded as a national asset and not be “subjected to bureaucratic inertia or indecision.”
Their concern follows reports that nearly one thousand Ghanaians are currently stranded in Israel after the country closed its borders amid rising hostilities.
In a statement issued by Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abdulia Jinapor, the Minority expressed solidarity with the affected individuals and said they are alarmed by the displacement of numerous Ghanaian citizens due to intensifying missile exchanges between the two nations.
The situation, they stated, “pose a grave and immediate threat to their lives and safety.”
“This distressing development highlights a disturbing lapse in the Government’s response. It is unacceptable that the authorities failed to act with the urgency required, despite clear early warning signs that the conflict was worsening,” said the Minority.
They described the government’s delayed response as a sign of inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and lack of proactive leadership at a time when swift action was necessary.
The Minority is therefore urging the government, through the Foreign Ministry, to immediately activate all available diplomatic and logistical channels to ensure the safe evacuation of Ghanaians from both Israel and Iran.
“Furthermore, we call on the Ministry to urgently develop a comprehensive evacuation strategy, in coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic missions, international partners, and other relevant stakeholders. The safety and wellbeing of Ghanaians abroad must be treated as a national priority and not subjected to bureaucratic inertia or indecision.”
They emphasized the state’s duty to protect and assist its citizens during crises, describing the handling of the matter as “deeply regrettable and utterly unacceptable.”
“Every passing hour increases the risk to the lives of our fellow citizens caught in the crossfire of this conflict,” the Minority added, calling for immediate and decisive action.
Meanwhile the government has announced in a statement plans to get these Ghanaian nationals evacuated.
