By Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged Ghanaians living in or travelling to Mexico to exercise extreme caution in their movements and avoid all non-essential travel following escalating violence in parts of the country.
“Ghanaian nationals travelling to or residing in any of the affected cities in Mexico are advised to exercise extreme caution in their movements and refrain from non-essential travel,” he said.
The advisory follows an operation by Mexican security forces on 22 February 2026, which reportedly resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The development has triggered coordinated retaliatory attacks across several Mexican states.
“The unrest has been characterised by armed clashes, arson of vehicles and road blockages, which have caused casualties and significant disruption to daily activities,” he stated.
According to the Minister, the affected areas include Jalisco, Baja California, Colima, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Oaxaca, where tensions remain high amid security operations and counter-attacks by criminal groups.
“The Government of Ghana wishes to advise Ghanaian nationals in these jurisdictions to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety at all times,” he added.
Mr Ablakwa further called on Ghanaians in Mexico to maintain close contact with Ghana’s diplomatic mission for any necessary consular support.
“Ghanaian citizens are encouraged to maintain communication with the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., which is concurrently accredited to Mexico, for consular assistance if the need arises,” he said.
He provided the embassy’s emergency hotline, +1 (202) 709 0568, for immediate assistance and assured that the government is closely monitoring developments.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana conveys its solidarity to the Government of the United Mexican States and expresses its confidence in the ability of the Mexican authorities to bring the situation under control,” he stated.
