Student Desks Established at Ghana’s Diplomatic Missions Abroad

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced the establishment of a Student’s Desk, a special department to oversee the concerns of Ghanaian students abroad.

In a Facebook post on Monday, February 17, 2025, the North Tongu Constituency MP said the department will prioritize and cater for the needs of students.

So far, he said it has been created in Ghana’s diplomatic missions in 11 countries including Abidjan, Beijing, Belgrade, Cotonou, Havana, Lome, London, Moscow, Rabat, Rome and Ottawa.

“Student Desks have immediately been created in 11 countries where data confirms a high number of Ghanaian students currently studying in those countries. This initiative will soon cover all diplomatic missions following this pilot phase.”

Cost
According to Ablakwa, the new department will not come at an extra cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer, neither would it require additional recruitment.

According to him, 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 explained.

Commitment
The Minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian students abroad.

“The Mahama administration is determined to end the era where Ghanaian students studying abroad, particularly those on government scholarships are left stranded, neglected and frustrated when they need urgent assistance in areas such as fees facilitation, immigration support, medical emergencies, verification of academic records, housing and accommodation support, evacuations and legal aid.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini