The Minority in Parliament is deeply concerned by reports that nearly one thousand Ghanaians are currently stranded in Israel, following the closure of that country’s borders amidst escalating hostilities. We are equally alarmed by the displacement of scores of our compatriots in Iran due to the intensifying missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, which 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. This delay reflects a troubling degree of inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and a lack of proactive leadership at a time when swift action was imperative.
We strongly urge the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to immediately activate all available diplomatic and logistical channels to secure the safe evacuation of Ghanaians from both Israel and Iran without further delay.
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.
The apparent paralysis in the State’s ability to protect and assist its citizens in this time of crisis is 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 demands immediate action. Government must act decisively, and it must act now.