Dr Nana Yaw Mireku, an international relations analyst, has warned that Ghana and other African nations could face a surge in refugees if the ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran escalate into a wider regional conflict.
Speaking on the AM Show, Dr Mireku said instability in the Middle East may drive people to seek safety in Africa.
“If it becomes a regional conflict, and if Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries decide to respond, making the area uninhabitable, there’s a real possibility people will look for safe havens elsewhere. And why shouldn’t Africa be one of them?” he asked.
He cited past instances where displaced people have arrived on the continent, noting that even non-refugees from Lebanon have sought refuge in Ghana. He also referenced a recent case where Palestinians reportedly landed in South Africa, illustrating Africa’s role as a sanctuary for those fleeing escalating violence.
While highlighting the continent’s humanitarian potential, Dr Mireku cautioned that Ghana’s systems may not be fully prepared to handle a large influx of refugees if the conflict intensifies.
His comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following US-Israel military actions against Iran, which analysts warn could destabilise the region and trigger wider displacement.
Ghana, like many African countries, has previously hosted refugees and asylum seekers from conflict zones, underscoring the importance of strong migration and humanitarian policies.