

By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that his ministry is intensifying efforts to improve services and support for Ghanaian students studying abroad, following a series of consultations with student leaders across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the Minister said the engagements, held over the past few weeks at his office, provided valuable insights into how Ghana’s embassies and high commissions can better respond to the needs of students overseas.


According to him, the discussions brought to light several challenges faced by Ghanaian students abroad, including visa bottlenecks, delays in consular services, financial obligations, and difficulties with integration in host countries.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that the consultations also focused on strategies to encourage students to return home immediately after completing their studies. These included discussions on startup support, entrepreneurial mentorship, business incubation and recruitment systems, all aimed at enabling returning graduates to contribute meaningfully to the government’s Reset Agenda.

The Foreign Affairs Minister further briefed the student leaders on steps being taken by the Mahama Administration to enhance consular assistance and on progress in pursuing cases involving alleged violations of the rights of Ghanaians abroad, with particular emphasis on the Nana Agyei tragedy.

He also revealed that students were updated on reforms Ghana is seeking with international partners regarding what the government considers to be unfair English proficiency requirements imposed on Ghanaian students.
Mr. Ablakwa reported positive feedback on the Student Desks established in 11 embassies last year, describing the initiative as a successful pilot. On the back of this, he announced that the ministry will scale up the programme this year by creating Student Desks in all 72 Ghanaian diplomatic missions worldwide.
Additionally, the Minister said he has committed to negotiating for more bilateral scholarships beyond the 1,500 secured last year, assuring that government will work with relevant partners to ensure transparency and equity in their distribution.
He concluded by wishing Ghanaian students abroad well in their academic pursuits, urging them to continue making the country proud in prestigious institutions around the world.

Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
