By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The Government of Ghana has officially advised its citizens to suspend all non-essential travel to the Middle East following a significant escalation in military hostilities involving Iran.
The travel advisory, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Saturday, 28th February 2026, comes as the regional security situation deteriorates, posing a direct threat to international aviation and maritime routes.
The shift in regional stability follows a joint attack by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military bases across the region. Officials in Accra expressed concern that the volatile environment could lead to sudden airspace closures, leaving travelers stranded or caught in the crossfire of active combat zones.
Washington and Tehran trade threats of total war
The situation reached a fever pitch following a direct warning from U.S. President Donald Trump. Writing on his Truth Social platform, the President cautioned Tehran against further escalation. “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!” the President stated. This rhetoric follows a chilling ultimatum from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which warned that “the most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces will begin toward the occupied territories and American terrorist bases in just moments.”
A rapid descent into regional war
This brinkmanship is the culmination of a massive joint U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign launched early Saturday. Tensions reached a breaking point following reports that
Iranian leadership was targeted in precision strikes, prompting Tehran to launch an initial retaliatory wave of ballistic missiles against U.S. bases in the region. What began as a 12-day military exchange has now transitioned into a high-stakes campaign of attrition, forcing neutral nations like Ghana to brace for the consequences of a protracted conflict.
Protecting the Ghanaian diaspora
With thousands of Ghanaians currently residing in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf States, Israel, and Lebanon, the government is urging those already in the region to exercise extreme caution. Ghanaian nationals have been directed to avoid crowded public spaces, military installations, and areas prone to protests or retaliatory strikes.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East,” the official statement read. “In view of the current security developments, the Ministry advises all Ghanaian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to and from the region until further notice.”
Evacuation and emergency protocols
Government sources indicate that Ghana’s diplomatic missions in the region have been placed on high alert. The ministry is currently updating its database of nationals in the most affected areas to facilitate a swift evacuation should the situation transition into a full-scale regional war.
Citizens currently in the Middle East have been advised to register with missions to ensure their contact details are updated with the nearest Ghanaian Embassy or Consulate. The government also urged its citizens to stay informed through credible international and local media outlets. Travelers were further told to keep mobile devices charged and inform family members in Ghana of their whereabouts.
Strategic maritime and aviation disruptions
The advisory coincides with reports of Iranian Revolutionary Guards moving to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz. International flight-tracking data shows a massive diversion of civilian aircraft as airspaces over Israel, Iran, Jordan, and several Gulf states have been declared restricted zones. These closures have already forced several international carriers to return flights to their points of origin, complicating the Ministry’s efforts to maintain clear travel corridors for its citizens.
Economic and diplomatic ripples
The “Iran attacks” and the subsequent regional instability are expected to have a knock-on effect on Ghana’s economy. Analysts are particularly focused on the impact regarding global oil prices and shipping logistics through the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.
While Ghana maintains a policy of non-interference, the government has joined the international community in calling for maximum restraint from all parties involved. The Ministry stated that it would continue to provide regular updates as the security landscape evolves.
Global calls for de-escalation
The United Nations and several neutral nations have condemned the strikes, warning of a potential “regime change war” that could destabilize the entire Mediterranean and African trade routes. Ghana’s call for “maximum restraint” aligns with a growing international consensus seeking to prevent the 12-day military exchange from becoming a permanent regional fixture.
