ACCRA, Feb 18 (NNN-GNA) — Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okuzeto Ablakwa, has announced the establishment of Student Desks within Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
He shared this update on his X page on Monday. The post read, “Student Desks have been immediately created in 11 countries where data confirms a high number of Ghanaian students currently studying.”
The diplomatic missions where these Student Desks have been established are; Abidjan, Beijing, Belgrade, Cotonou, Havana, Lome, London, Moscow, Rabat, Rome, and Ottawa.
Okuzeto Ablakwa emphasized that this initiative would not incur any additional costs to the Ghanaian taxpayer, as it would be implemented by reassigning consular staff without the need for extra recruitment.
“The creation of this special department would not come at an extra cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer, nor would it require additional recruitment since the initiative relies on reassigning consular staff.”
“The embassy officials responsible for this new role are to send monthly reports to the Consular and Humanitarian Affairs Bureau for onward transmission to the foreign minister,” he noted.
The foreign minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Ghanaian students abroad, particularly those on government scholarships.
He emphasized ensuring that they receive timely assistance with issues such as fees, immigration support, medical emergencies, academic record verification, housing, evacuations, and legal aid.
“The Mahama administration is determined to end the era where Ghanaian students studying abroad, especially those on government scholarships, are left stranded, neglected, and frustrated when they need urgent assistance in areas such as fee facilitation, immigration support, medical emergencies, verification of academic records, housing, accommodation support, evacuations, and legal aid,” he stated.
He assured that further institutional reforms would be introduced in the near future to continue improving the welfare of Ghanaian students abroad. — NNN-GNA
