The Minister for Foreign Affairs has given firm assurance to Ghanaians living abroad of the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding and protecting the dignity of every citizen in the diaspora.
The Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that he has decided to embark on quarterly visits to any of Ghana’s 71 missions abroad to gain firsthand understanding of the issues confronting citizens.
He said, “government has approved $2 million in the 2025 budget for the consular fund” to cater for medical and other emergencies faced by citizens abroad.
As part of the first leg of these scheduled trips, the Minister visited Ghana’s mission in Benin, where he engaged with hundreds of Ghanaians, including students on exchange programs.
Accompanied by two directors, the delegation toured several state-owned properties in Benin. He interacted with mission staff and took note of the numerous challenges they outlined.
In Benin, the Minister assured staff that innovative measures would be deployed to address some of the pressing issues. Some deteriorating infrastructure requires urgent attention, which the Minister promised to tackle with innovative solutions.
Ghanaians residing in Benin, through their leader Moses Ocloo, highlighted the need for the government of Ghana to establish an office within the mission to register Ghanaians for the National Identification System.
He said this would significantly reduce the cost and time involved for citizens eager to acquire the Ghana Card.
He also urged the Minister to collaborate with his counterparts in Benin, Togo, and Nigeria to ease the transport of goods and facilitate trade.
Despite the existence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ocloo lamented the persistent challenges faced in the movement of both goods and people.
One citizen raised concerns about the harassment Ghanaians face when travelling from Benin to Accra.
The Minister is expected to visit Nigeria on Friday and has rescheduled his visit to Togo for a later date.
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