The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced plans by the government to establish a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to support citizens who find themselves in distress or crisis situations abroad.
The fund, he said, would serve as an emergency response mechanism to enable the government to swiftly mobilise resources to assist Ghanaians whose safety and welfare may be at risk in other countries.
Addressing journalists on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, Mr Ablakwa said the fund would strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to emergencies involving its citizens abroad.
“I wish to announce that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will soon launch a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund, which will serve as an emergency response funding mechanism to swiftly take care of Ghanaians in distress and during crisis situations anywhere in the world.”
Mr Ablakwa said the government remained committed to protecting the lives and welfare of Ghanaians wherever they lived or travelled.
“I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the Government of Ghana to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens wherever they may be and will continue to take timely and decisive action wherever the safety and security of Ghanaians abroad are at risk.”
The announcement comes as the government continues efforts to evacuate and support Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
