The student desks will offer support in key areas such as tuition payments, immigration issues, medical emergencies, academic verification, housing, evacuations, and legal aid. The student desks have been established in embassies and high commissions in the following cities: Abidjan, Beijing, Belgrade, Cotonou, Havana, Lomé, London, Moscow, Rabat, Rome, and Ottawa.
According to the ministry, these locations were strategically chosen based on data indicating a high concentration of Ghanaian students in these regions. The ministry noted that the initiative will be run with existing consular staff and will not require extra recruitment or an increase in government expenditure.
Monthly reports will be submitted by the consular officials overseeing the student desks. The Consular and Humanitarian Affairs Bureau will then provide updates to the Foreign Minister. According to the ministry, this system is designed to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement in addressing student concerns.
Addressing Student Complaints
Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasised that the initiative is a response to persistent complaints from Ghanaian students abroad, particularly those on government scholarships, who have often struggled to receive timely assistance from Ghana’s diplomatic missions.
“The Mahama administration is determined to end the era where Ghanaian students studying abroad, especially those on government scholarships, are left stranded, neglected, and frustrated when they need urgent assistance in areas such as fee facilitation, immigration support, medical emergencies, verification of academic records, housing, accommodation support, evacuations, and legal aid,” he stated.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has assured citizens and stakeholders that there will be ongoing processes to introduce institutional reforms aimed at enhancing consular services and improving the overall welfare of Ghanaian students overseas.
Minister Ablakwa reaffirmed this while emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that students receive timely support for their concerns effectively.
