The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held a series of consultations with Ghanaian student leaders based in Europe, Asia, and the Americas as part of efforts to improve services provided to students abroad through Ghana‘s embassies and high commissions.
According to the Minister, the engagements were insightful and constructive, offering a platform for students to directly share their experiences and challenges. Key issues raised included visa bottlenecks, limited consular responsiveness, financial obligations, and the need for stronger integration support in host countries.
Discussions also focused on long-term strategies to ensure Ghanaian students return home after completing their studies to contribute meaningfully to national development under the Reset Agenda.
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These strategies covered startup support, entrepreneurial mentorship, business incubation, recruitment systems, and pathways for skills transfer.
Hon. Ablakwa further briefed the student leaders on measures being implemented by the Mahama Administration to enhance consular assistance for Ghanaians abroad.
He also provided updates on progress made in pursuing cases involving alleged violations of rights, with particular emphasis on the Nana Agyei tragedy.
The consultations extended to reforms being pursued with international partners, especially regarding what Ghana considers unfair English proficiency requirements imposed on students.
The Minister noted that these concerns are being actively addressed through diplomatic engagements.
Student leaders also welcomed the establishment of Student Desks in 11 embassies last year, describing the initiative as impactful. Based on the success of the pilot, the Ministry plans to expand the initiative by creating Student Desks in all 72 Ghanaian diplomatic missions worldwide this year.
Additionally, Hon. Ablakwa reaffirmed his commitment to securing more bilateral scholarships beyond the 1,500 obtained last year. He assured stakeholders that the government will work closely with relevant partners to ensure transparency and equity in the distribution of these opportunities.
The Minister concluded by wishing Ghanaian students across the globe continued success, encouraging them to remain proud ambassadors of the country in prestigious academic institutions worldwide.
