GHANA’S Foreign Ministry has launched a new initiative to support Ghanaian students studying abroad by establishing Student Desks in key diplomatic missions. The initiative, directed by Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, aims to provide students with essential consular assistance, ensuring they receive timely support for academic and personal matters.
Ablakwa announced the initiative in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter)on Monday, stating, ‘I am delighted to announce that on my instructions, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry has established a special department in our diplomatic missions abroad to prioritise and cater for the needs of students.’
According to the minister, Student Desks have been set up in 11 countries where Ghanaian student populations are highest, including Abidjan, Beijing, Belgrade, Cotonou, Havana, Lome, London, Moscow, Rabat, Rome, and Ottawa. The initiative is in its pilot phase, with plans to expand to all diplomatic missions.
No additional costs to government
Ablakwa assured that the implementation of Student Desks would not incur additional costs to taxpayers, as existing consular staff have been reassigned to oversee the programme. Officials in charge of the desks will be required to submit monthly reports to the Consular and Humanitarian Affairs Bureau, which will then forward them to the Foreign Minister.
‘This initiative will ensure that no Ghanaian student studying abroad, especially those on government scholarships, is left stranded, neglected, or frustrated when they need urgent assistance,’ Ablakwa emphasised in his post.
Addressing longstanding challenges
The initiative seeks to address longstanding challenges faced by Ghanaian students abroad. In the past, students have reported difficulties in securing urgent assistance with tuition fee facilitation, visa and immigration matters, medical emergencies, academic verification, housing and accommodation, legal aid, and emergency evacuations.
This move aligns with the Mahama administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of Ghanaian students overseas and enhancing the efficiency of Ghana’s diplomatic missions. The government has signalled that additional institutional reforms will follow to further strengthen support for students abroad.
The establishment of Student Desks is expected to bridge the gap between Ghanaian students and their home government, ensuring a more responsive and student-friendly diplomatic service. The Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding and refining the initiative in the coming months.
‘More institutional reforms will follow. Together, we shall reset Ghana,’ Ablakwa concluded in his post.
