Foreign Affairs Minister pledges increased support for Ghanaian students abroad

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has given firm assurances that the government is working on plans to increase the monthly stipends received by Ghanaian students studying abroad.

Although he did not reveal exact figures, Mr. Ablakwa indicated that consultations would soon commence to assess and improve the current allowances allocated to students under government-sponsored programmes.

Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Cotonou, Benin, during an official visit, the Minister addressed a number of concerns raised by students, particularly the issue of delayed stipend payments. He promised the government would take steps to ensure that stipends are disbursed on time moving forward.

“I assure you that we are looking at the allowances. Consultations will begin soon, and we aim to increase the stipends you receive,” he told the gathering.

Currently, Ghanaian students participating in a one-year exchange programme in Benin receive a monthly stipend of CFA 45,000 (equivalent to GHS 1,147). They are also given a one-time book allowance of CFA 60,000 (GHS 1,500) and another CFA 60,000 to cover medical costs.

At present, around 40 students from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) and the University of Ghana are enrolled in the French language programme in Benin. An additional 30 students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) are expected to join them next week.

Some of the students expressed frustration over a recent change in the programme’s timeline. “The 12-month duration has been reduced to six months,” they noted, adding that this adjustment makes it challenging to fulfill their academic requirements.

According to official records from Ghana’s embassy in Benin, there are currently more than 2,000 Ghanaian nationals living in the country.

Over 100 people attended the Minister’s meeting with the Ghanaian community, which forms part of a new initiative to engage Ghanaians living abroad on a quarterly basis. Mr. Ablakwa explained that this policy aims to foster stronger connections and more responsive support for citizens outside the country. Benin and Nigeria are the first stops on his travel itinerary.

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