The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced student support desks in 11 Ghanaian embassies worldwide to assist Ghanaian students studying abroad. Announced by Foreign Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa on February 17, 2025, the initiative aims to provide help with tuition payments, visa issues, medical emergencies, academic verification, housing, legal aid, and even evacuations when needed.
The support desks have been established in key locations, including Abidjan, Beijing, Belgrade, Cotonou, Havana, Lomé, London, Moscow, Rabat, Rome, and Ottawa. These cities were selected based on high student populations from Ghana.
To ensure accountability, consular officials managing the desks will submit monthly reports to the Consular and Humanitarian Affairs Bureau, which will keep the Foreign Minister updated. The initiative does not require new hires or additional costs, as existing staff have been reassigned.
This move seeks to resolve longstanding complaints from Ghanaian students abroad, particularly those on government scholarships, who have often struggled to receive timely assistance from their embassies. The ministry has also hinted at further improvements to consular services in the near future.
