Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the escalating war in the Middle East — involving joint U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf — is no longer a regional issue but one with far-reaching consequences for the entire world, including Ghana.

Speaking during an Iftar gathering at Jubilee House on March 16, 2026, the president appealed directly to the Muslim community to intensify prayers for divine intervention and a swift end to hostilities.

“The conflict between the U.S. and Israel, and Iran, is affecting not only the Middle East; it’s affecting the whole world,” Mahama stated. “And so we pray that Allah will touch the hearts of everybody involved in this conflict and bring peace to the people in the area.”

The president’s remarks come as the conflict enters its third week, with reported U.S.–Israel operations targeting Iranian strategic sites — including the killing of senior officials — and Iran launching ballistic missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, has seen significant disruptions, pushing Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel.

Ghana, a net importer of petroleum products, remains highly vulnerable to these shocks. Higher global crude prices typically feed into elevated fuel import costs, which regulators and oil marketing companies often pass on to consumers through adjusted pricing windows. The resulting increases in petrol, diesel, and LPG prices can drive up transport fares, electricity generation costs (where fuel-based plants are involved), and the overall price of goods and services as transport and production expenses rise.

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has already flagged the risk, warning that sustained volatility in global energy markets could undermine the country’s inflation outlook and broader economic stability.

The conflict has also touched Ghanaian nationals directly. Two Ghanaians were among those injured by shrapnel from intercepted drones near Dubai International Airport, though UAE authorities confirmed minor injuries and continued airport operations. Separately, Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon have come under attack amid hostilities involving Israeli forces, Iran-aligned groups, and regional militias.

President Mahama’s call for prayers and calm reflects both spiritual solidarity and pragmatic recognition of the domestic economic ripple effects of prolonged instability in the Middle East.

As the U.S. pushes for international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran, most major allies and partners have responded with caution, prioritizing diplomacy over military commitment.

Here are the key statements from world leaders and officials:

Keir Starmer — UK Prime Minister

“We are working with others to come up with a credible plan for the Strait of Hormuz to ensure that we can reopen shipping and passage through the Strait. Let me be clear, that won’t be and it’s never been envisioned to be a NATO mission.”

Jose Manuel Albares — Spain’s Foreign Minister

“The objective must be for the war to end, and for it to end now… We mustn’t do anything that would add even more tension or cause the situation to escalate further.”

Sanae Takaichi — Japan’s Prime Minister

“We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the legal framework.”

Antonio Tajani — Italy’s Foreign Minister

“Diplomacy needs to prevail… I don’t see any missions that can be extended to Hormuz.”

Boris Pistorius — German Defense Minister

“I see absolutely no reason to do so. It’s not our war. We didn’t start it. We want diplomatic solutions and a swift end.”

Pavlos Marinakis — Greek Government Spokesman

“Greece will not engage in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Emmanuel Macron — President of France

“France is acting within a strictly defensive framework aimed at protecting its interests, its regional partners… Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible.”

Lin Jian — Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

“We are in communication with all parties on the current situation and are committed to promoting the easing and cooling down of the situation.”

Qatar Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

“Communications are still ongoing with different parties to guarantee the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for goods to reach the Gulf and to export energy products.”

The overwhelmingly restrained tone underscores a global preference for de-escalation and dialogue over joining any expanded U.S.-led military effort in the critical oil chokepoint.