The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Ghanaians to avoid non-essential travel to several regions of Mexico following a surge in violence linked to a security operation that killed a leading drug cartel figure.
In a travel advisory issued and shared by sector minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the ministry said unrest had broken out after Mexican security forces carried out an operation on 22 February that resulted in the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The advisory said coordinated retaliatory attacks by criminal groups had been reported across multiple Mexican states, including Jalisco, Baja California, Colima, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Oaxaca.
According to the ministry, the violence has involved armed clashes, vehicle arson and road blockages, causing casualties and major disruptions to daily life.
Ghanaian nationals living in or travelling to the affected areas were urged to exercise extreme caution, limit movement and stay in contact with Ghana’s embassy in Washington, which is accredited to Mexico, for consular assistance.
The government also expressed solidarity with the Mexican authorities and said it was confident the situation would be brought under control.
Mexico has long battled powerful drug cartels, with periodic spikes in violence following major security operations targeting senior figures in organised crime.
