The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has intensified efforts to improve support services for Ghanaian students abroad, following a series of high-level consultations with student leaders based in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The engagements, held over the past few weeks, focused on identifying ways Ghana’s embassies and high commissions can better respond to the needs of students studying overseas.
Key issues raised during the discussions included visa bottlenecks, consular responsiveness, financial obligations, and integration challenges faced by Ghanaian students in host countries. Student leaders also shared concerns about access to timely assistance and the need for stronger institutional support structures.
Beyond welfare concerns, the consultations explored startup strategies, entrepreneurial mentorship, business incubation and recruitment systems aimed at ensuring that students return home after completing their studies to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development agenda under the government’s Reset Agenda.
The Ministry also briefed the student leaders on measures being implemented by the Mahama Administration to enhance consular assistance and on progress made in addressing cases involving alleged violations of rights, with particular emphasis on the Nana Agyei tragedy.
In addition, students were updated on ongoing reforms being pursued with international partners regarding what Ghana considers unfair English proficiency requirements, which continue to pose challenges for Ghanaian applicants.
The Ministry reported receiving positive feedback on the Student Desks established in 11 Ghanaian embassies last year. Based on the success of the pilot initiative, plans are underway to scale up the programme to all 72 Ghanaian diplomatic missions worldwide.
Further strengthening educational diplomacy, the Ministry has also committed to negotiating additional bilateral scholarships, building on the 1,500 scholarships secured last year. Government, working with relevant partners, has assured that transparency and equity will guide the allocation of these opportunities.
The consultations underscore the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian students abroad while harnessing their skills, knowledge and global exposure for national development.
The Ministry extended its best wishes to Ghanaian students across the world, commending them for representing the country with excellence in prestigious academic institutions.
