By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has pledged to establish a consular fund to support Ghanaians in distress abroad if approved as a minister.
Mr. Ablakwa, during his vetting on Friday, January 31, 2025, with the appointment committee, highlighted the challenges faced by Ghanaian embassies and high commissions in assisting citizens overseas.
“I was shocked to learn that our hard-working Foreign Service staff sometimes have to use their own money to help distressed Ghanaians,” he revealed.
He explained that the Foreign Ministry’s budget currently lacks a dedicated fund for consular support, which is essential under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963).
The nominee emphasised that the consular fund would be crucial, especially in light of the United States’ recent announcement of mass deportations. He insisted that Ghanaians facing deportation must receive legal assistance to protect their rights.
“Some deportees are treated unfairly, even chained to their seats as if they were criminals. This violates their human rights and dignity, and I will fight against it,” he said.
He also promised that Ghanaian diplomats would have clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure that the concerns of Ghanaians in the diaspora are prioritized.
“The purpose of an embassy is to serve Ghanaians abroad. We must make sure they get the support they deserve,” he concluded.
