Ghana’s Black Queens are safe and accounted for in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) despite recent military escalations in the Middle East, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel O. Ablakwa has confirmed.

In a statement on Sunday, Minister Ablakwa said he had spoken directly with the leadership of the team and that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the UAE has been in close contact with the squad, providing “much needed consular support.”

He stressed that “in this turbulent moment, the safety and welfare of all Ghanaians, particularly those currently in the Middle East, remains our utmost priority.”

The assurance comes as regional tensions sharply escalated after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel targeted multiple sites inside Iran, including the compound of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Officials from Iran confirmed his death following the strikes, which marked a significant intensification of hostilities in the Middle East. 

Iran’s Missile Retaliation and Impact on UAE

In response to the strikes on Iranian territory, Iran launched ballistic missiles and armed drones toward U.S. military bases and allied states across the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates. 

According to UAE authorities, hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones were detected and intercepted over Abu Dhabi and Dubai, though fragments falling from destroyed projectiles caused damage to property and some injuries in civilian areas. 

The heightened threat prompted the UAE to close its airspace as a safety measure and issue public advisories while reinforcing air defenses. 

Ghanaian Nationals Monitored

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions in the region are actively monitoring the security situation, coordinating with host governments, and extending consular support where needed.

The statement underlined that diplomatic teams are in continuous communication with Ghanaian citizens in the UAE and other affected Gulf states.

Officials have also activated emergency preparedness measures, including planning for potential evacuations if the conflict further destabilizes. 

As the conflict evolves, Ghanaian travelers and residents in the region are being advised to stay informed, follow local directives, and remain in secure locations until the situation stabilises.

Read: UAE: Black Queens cruise past Hong Kong 4:0 in dominant Pink Ladies Cup opener

Read: GH Embassy, Doha: Security alert for Ghanaians in Qatar as Iran conflict escalates after US–Israel strikes