Ghana Gov’t Advises Citizens To Avoid Travelling To Middle East

Government of Ghana has warned its citizens to avoid all travel to countries in the Middle East following escalating tensions and growing security concerns in that part of the world.

The directive in an official statement forms part of precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding the lives and welfare of Ghanaian citizens amid the deteriorating security situation.

This follows a joint attack by the US and Israel against Iran, with retaliatory attacks by Iran targeting US bases in the Middle East.

The statement on the official Facebook page of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, noted that, citizens residing in affected countries are urged to remain indoors where possible.

In addition, it stated that, citizens should comply with local authority directives, avoid large gatherings, monitor official communications, and maintain contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission.

“The Ministry advises Ghanaian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to and from the Middle East. Ghanaians resident in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are urged to remain indoors where possible, comply with directives issued by local authorities, and exercise heightened vigilance at all times. Nationals in affected areas should avoid large gatherings and sensitive locations, closely monitor official communications, keep travel documents readily accessible, and maintain contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission” part of the statement reads.

The statement further called on all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and return to diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the need to protect lives, safeguard economic stability, and secure lasting peace.

In related development, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has debunked reports suggesting that, the country’s Black Queens team are unsafe while in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Reacting to the news indicating that, the team is stranded due to the turmoil on Sunday, March 1, Ablakwa wrote, “Ghana’s celebrated Black Queens are safe and doing well. I have spoken with the leadership of the team. Our diplomatic mission in the UAE has been in close contact with the Black Queens extending much needed consular support. In this turbulent moment, the safety and welfare of all Ghanaians, particularly those currently in the Middle East, remains our utmost priority.”

Read full statement of restraining non-essential travel to and from the Middle East below:

SECURITY SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND TRAVEL ADVISORY

FOR GHANAIAN NATIONALS

ACCRA, 28″ FEBRUARY, 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring with serious concern the escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

The Ministry notes the ongoing coordinated military strikes by the United States of America and the State of Israel against targets within the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as reported actions by Iran against Israel and United States military assets in the region, particularly in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These developments have led to airspace closures, flight disruptions, and heightened security alerts across parts of the region.

The Government of Ghana calls on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate and return to diplomatic engagement in the interest of protecting lives, ensuring economic stability and lasting regional peace.

The Ministry advises Ghanaian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to and from the Middle East.

Ghanaians resident in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are urged to remain indoors where possible, comply with directives issued by local authorities, and exercise heightened vigilance at all times. Nationals in affected areas should avoid large gatherings and sensitive locations, closely monitor official communications, keep travel documents readily accessible, and maintain contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission.

An emergency preparedness plan has been activated, and assessments are ongoing regarding the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals where necessary. The Government has at this time initiated the evacuation of a number of staff of the Embassy of Ghana in Tehran, retaining essential personnel to coordinate assistance to Ghanaians in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Ministry and Ghana’s diplomatic missions in the region remain available to provide consular support.