Middle East Conflict: Gov’t announces one-way emergency evacuation for Ghanaians in Qatar

The Embassy of Ghana in Doha has issued an urgent directive ordering Ghanaians in Qatar to confirm their desire to be evacuated by Tuesday, 17 March 2026, pointing to what it described as the worsening security situation across the Gulf region.

In a formal communiqué dated 15 March, the Embassy noted that the arrangement is “strictly a one-way evacuation exercise to Ghana,” adding that Ghanaians who wish to be evacuated must re-confirm their interest by submitting the biodata pages of their passports via email to doha@mfa.gov.gh in line with the March 17 deadline.

The announcement follows an earlier registration directive issued by the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this month, directing all Ghanaian residents to enroll in a region-wide emergency preparedness database.

The ongoing war is in its third week, after sustained strikes across the region since February 28. Initially launched by the U.S and Israel targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, several Gulf countries have since been roped in after Iran responded with “Operation Truthful Promise 4,” directing ballistic missiles and armed drones at U.S. military assets and allied nations across the entire Middle East.

With no immediate ceasefire in sight, the conflict continues to leave devastating impacts especially on the global energy market following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for about 20% of the world’s daily oil shipments.

Reports have indicated that some ships that have attempted passage through the Strait after its closure were hit by Iranian drones and armed boats, while passage was granted to “a few selected Chinese oil tankers.”

The U.S has since deployed thousands of troops to “help keep the Strait open,” while Iran has vowed to continue retaliating, rejected the possibility of any ceasefire “until US and Israeli strikes end.”