Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has met with members of the Ghanaian community in Benin as part of a broader government initiative aimed at strengthening relations with Ghanaians living abroad and addressing their pressing concerns.
The engagement, held in Cotonou, brought together Ghanaian students, women’s groups, business owners, and community leaders. It is part of a new initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to directly connect with Ghanaians in the diaspora, listen to their needs, and provide on-the-ground support through embassy outreach programs.
Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that the initiative would see ministry officials, including himself, regularly visiting Ghanaian embassies and communities across the sub-region and beyond to gain first-hand insight into the challenges facing citizens abroad.
“There is no better way to serve Ghanaians abroad than to meet them where they are, hear their concerns in person, and work with them to find practical solutions,” the Minister noted.
Currently, over 2,000 Ghanaians reside in Benin. During the meeting, the community outlined several challenges, including the non-recognition of Ghanaian consular identity cards by local authorities, trade and travel restrictions between Benin and Ghana, delays in acquiring the Ghana Card, and the lack of support for stranded travelers.
Another major concern was the reported harassment and extortion faced by Ghanaian traders transporting goods via road to Ghana. Community members also called on the government to fast-track the implementation of the Representation of the People Amendment Law (ROPAL), which would allow Ghanaians living abroad to participate in national elections.
Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian community, Moses Oklu Tetteh, President of the Ghana Association of United Communities in Benin, appealed to the Ghanaian government to intensify support systems for Ghanaians in the diaspora, especially in addressing trade-related challenges and documentation issues.
In his response, Minister Ablakwa assured the community that the government remains committed to the welfare of its citizens abroad. He highlighted ongoing policy reforms and bilateral efforts to ease cross-border movement and facilitate better consular services.
He also announced the creation of a $2 million emergency fund to support Ghanaians living abroad who face unexpected crises, including legal issues, health emergencies, or natural disasters.
“Our government has not forgotten you. This emergency fund is just one of several measures we are putting in place to make sure that wherever Ghanaians are, they feel the presence and support of their country,” he said.
The meeting ended with a renewed sense of optimism among the Ghanaian community in Benin, who expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit and the government’s responsiveness to their concerns.
