Student Desks Created in 11 Countries to Support Ghanaian Students’ Needs-Hon.Ablakwa

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, has announced the establishment of specialized “Student Desks” within Ghanaian diplomatic missions abroad. This initiative, launched under his direction, aims to prioritize and directly address the needs of Ghanaian students studying internationally.

The initial phase of this program has seen the creation of Student Desks in 11 countries identified as having a significant population of Ghanaian students. These pilot locations include Abidjan, Beijing, Belgrade, Cotonou, Havana, Lome, London, Moscow, Rabat, Rome, and Ottawa. The Foreign Ministry intends to expand this initiative to encompass all Ghanaian diplomatic missions following the evaluation of this initial phase.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that the creation of these specialized departments will not burden Ghanaian taxpayers with additional costs. The initiative leverages existing resources by reassigning responsibilities to current consular staff within the designated embassies and high commissions. This demonstrates a commitment to efficient resource allocation while addressing a critical need.

Under the new framework, embassy officials responsible for the Student Desks will be required to submit monthly reports to the Consular and Humanitarian Affairs Bureau. These reports will then be forwarded to the Foreign Minister, ensuring direct oversight and accountability for the program’s effectiveness.

The Minister articulated that the Mahama administration is committed to ending the neglect and frustration experienced by Ghanaian students abroad, particularly those on government scholarships. Historically, these students have often been left stranded and without adequate support when facing challenges such as fee facilitation, immigration issues, medical emergencies, verification of academic records, housing and accommodation assistance, evacuations, or legal aid. The Student Desks are designed to provide proactive and timely assistance in these areas, ensuring the well-being and academic success of Ghanaian students overseas.

This initiative represents a significant step towards a more student-centric approach to consular services, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens pursuing education abroad. Minister Ablakwa concluded his announcement by hinting at further institutional reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness and responsiveness of Ghana’s foreign policy and consular services. This signals a broader commitment to enhancing the support system for Ghanaian citizens, both at home and abroad.