Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and King Charles III

The Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III, has formally received Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at Windsor Castle following her appointment as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

The courtesy call marks the beginning of Ayorkor Botchwey’s tenure as the 7th Secretary-General of the 56-member Commonwealth, succeeding Patricia Scotland.

The update was shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) page of the Royal Family on Friday, April 4, 2025.

“The King, as Head of the Commonwealth, received The Hon. Shirley Botchwey upon her appointment as the new Commonwealth Secretary-General at Windsor Castle this morning,” the post read.

Ayorkor Botchwey, the first African woman to hold this position, was appointed by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa, in 2024.

She brings to her new role over 20 years of leadership experience in diplomacy, international relations, governance, and public service.

Brief profile of Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from January 2017 to January 2024 and was a member of Ghana’s National Security Council.

Earlier in her career, she held the roles of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Information, and Trade and Industry during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor (2001–2009).

From 2005 to 2021, she served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Weija and later Anyaa-Sowutuom constituencies, representing for four consecutive terms.

Before entering politics, she led a successful marketing and communications firm and also worked as a consultant in the tourism sector.

Read the post below:

The King, as Head of the Commonwealth, received The Hon. Shirley Botchwey upon her appointment as the new Commonwealth Secretary-General at Windsor Castle this morning.@commonwealthsec @SGCommonwealth pic.twitter.com/ulNxFHUlgb

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 4, 2025

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Watch as family member of former President Kufuor breaks silence over claims by 51-year-old man

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that government will soon implement a new policy requiring all public sector agencies to procure specific essential goods exclusively from local producers.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s industrial base, reduce import dependency, and stimulate job creation.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on April 3 at the Ministry of Finance.

(1) Earlier today, I had a productive meeting… – Cassiel Ato Forson | Facebook

Dr Forson expressed dismay over Ghana’s continued reliance on imports for basic commodities such as sugar and rice, despite the country’s capacity to produce them locally.

“It is unacceptable that Ghana continues to import basic commodities like sugar and rice when we have the capacity to produce them locally. That is why the government is taking decisive steps to support local production,” Dr Forson lamented.

He stressed that the new directive aims to channel public sector procurement towards empowering domestic manufacturers.

“To support our local industries, the government will soon publish a list of items that all public sector agencies must procure locally,” he stated. “Any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President.”

In addition to the local procurement policy, the Finance Minister warned of the severe threat posed by the smuggling of goods into the country.

He disclosed that government has identified key smuggling routes and will soon introduce tough enforcement measures to clamp down on this practice, which continues to undermine local industries.

“Smuggled goods are crippling our local businesses, and we are determined to stop it,” he said.

Dr Forson also called for closer collaboration between the government and private sector actors, inviting industry leaders to a working session to explore how local businesses can effectively engage with the government’s 24-hour economy programme.

He emphasised that robust partnerships will be key to sustaining l ong-term growth and enhancing local production capacity.

AGI President, Dr Humphrey Ayim-Darke, welcomed the move and commended the government’s renewed commitment to industrial development.

He expressed optimism that consistent dialogue and cooperation between government and the private sector would lead to lasting improvements.

The upcoming policy on local procurement, he noted, has the potential to significantly boost the competitiveness of Ghanaian manufacturers while ensuring public spending directly benefits the national economy.

The 230 cartons of the highly dangerous opioids, which were recently intercepted at the Tema Port in an illicit importation into Ghana and other West African nations have been destroyed.

The Ministry of Health and the Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA) on Friday set fire to the drugs following a court order.

The consignment of undeclared opioid pharmaceuticals, worth GH₵20 million which were purportedly in transit to Niger, were seized in a joint operation by regulatory and intelligence agencies at Tema Port on March 14, 2025.

The shipment was seized following a coordinated inspection involving the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

The 230 cartons of opioids which were destroyed on Friday included 128 cartons of Tafrodol, 92 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol and 10 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol

Briefing journalists, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said that the safe disposal of the items followed a court order secured for the destruction of the drugs. 

Background 

On  March 14, 2025 a team of NACOC, FDA, and Customs impounded a consignment of opioids under the guise of transiting from Ghana to Niger.

After impounding it, the state swiftly moved to court to seek an order for the destruction of the opioids. 

The court granted the application for the destruction with clear orders, including the venue for destruction. Including people who must witness the destruction, including  registerer of the High Court, FDA, NACOC as well as the Ministry of Science and Environment. 

Mr Mintah Akandoh said after the safe disposal of these consignments, government was  going further to interrogate and investigate the client agent and the importer. 

“Our information indicates that the importer is not a Ghanaian. The goods were being transported to Niger. And so, we are in touch with the Niger government to know whether or not they okayed such a consignment into their country. But as I stated earlier on, even if the Niger government has okayed such a consignment, our bodies, our ports, our airports will never be used as safe haven.” He said.

He said the Ministry has waged a war against the influx of opioids in Ghana and would continue to monitor whatever is going on at the  ports and harbors. 

Investigation 

He reiterated the fact that only Kotoka International Airport and the Tema Port had been designated for the import and export of drugs hence government has instructed the security agencies, including the Customs, to impound whatever drugs they get at any of the land bodies. 

On investigations, he said officials of the Customs have been instructed to hand over the culprits to the Attorney General’s Department once they finish the investigation for prosecution

Collaboration 

The Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko said her outfit would continue to collaborate with the Customs Division and other regulatory outfits at the various ports to ensure that such illegal drugs were not sneaked through. 

“We have increased our border presence. At the airport, we’re now working 24 hours. At the port, we already work 24 hours. So we’re going to start working 24 hours at the airport, so that our consignment cards are not evaded,” she said

Writer’s email: [email protected]  

By Iddi Yire 

Accra, April 04, GNA – Ahead of the second Kwahu Business Forum, Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency has met with the managers of key state-owned financial institutions. 

The meeting, which took place at the Presidency, is part of preparations towards the Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 19, on the theme: “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector”. 

The forum is designed to serve as a platform for dialogue between financial institutions and private sector players.  

It will also highlight investment opportunities, discuss policy interventions, and chart a path towards building a more resilient and competitive business landscape in Ghana.  

Mr Debrah, an accomplished Kwahu businessman himself, reiterated President Mahama’s commitment, as pledged in his campaign promise, to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.  

The discussions, centered on fashioning out practical and tailor-made financial solutions to challenges confronting Ghanaian businesses.  

The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) also explored innovative support mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives for entrepreneurs to nurture their investments from traditional retail commerce into major-scale industrialization projects.  

They also touched on how to tap into financial tools to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Ghana’s economy, to compete globally. 

Key among those present at the brainstorming session were Mr Sylvester Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Exim Bank; Mr Ato Sarpong, Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank; Mr Doliwura Zakaria, CEO of the National Investment Bank (NIB) and Mr Francis K. Arthur the CEO of Ghana Export Promotions Authority. 

The rest were Mr Daniel Wilson Addo, the Managing Director of the Consolidated Bank Ghana; Mr Farihan Alhassan, Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Commercial Bank; Mr Michael Abbey, Chief Executive of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, Dr Randolph Nsor-Ambala, CEO of Development Bank Ghana and Mr Seth Terkper, the Presidential Advisor on the Economy. 

GNA 

LAA 

By Morkporkpor Anku

Accra, April 4, GNA – Ms. Elsie Appau-Klu, the Chief Executive Officer of Ezel Fashion, has encouraged the Black Community in America to support African businesses by buying products made in Africa.

She said, “we cannot make any impact or contribution on the rest of the world, if we do not promote investments in industry.”

Ms. Appau-Klu was speaking during a panel discussion at the Black History Festival 2025 in Atlanta Georgia on the theme: “Bridging Continents, Celebrating Legacies, and Promoting Trade.”

The event held at Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in College Park City from March 28 to March 29, 2025, celebrated African heritage, fostering economic collaboration to strengthen ties between Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora.

The festival featured panel discussions, business expos, cultural showcases and networking sessions discussion and collaboration.

It also features the prestigious Black History Makers Awards Gala on the evening of March 29, recognising distinguished leaders in business, culture and public service.

“The world of business has become very complicated and competitive and until Africans consciously become aware of themselves and their surroundings in promoting what is African and black, we may become economically extinct soon,” Ms. Appau-Klu said.

She said blacks all over the world represent a great economic power and this presents them with great opportunities to contribute to national development.

“Our economies have depended on others for many years on exporting natural resources like gold, textiles and cocoa without any or limited value addition,” Ms. Appau-Klu added.

The CEO said the human capital that black people presented to today’s world was great and could be capitalised for the development and growth of the continent.

“We must learn skills abroad so fast and be ready to apply these skills and techniques for the growth and development of our countries,” she said.

She said it was important to trade among ourselves and build the confidence of young people to believe in the African culture and diversity and “we cannot build our economy by depending heavily on other countries products.”

“We used the opportunity to introduce our clothing brand to the USA Market and I appreciate and endorse the concept Buy Africa, Build Africa (BABA),” she said.

GNA

CA

CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai has advocated for stronger collaboration between higher educational institutions and industry to prioritize the integration of industrial skills into academic curricula, asserting its relevance to nation-building.

Addressing the theme, ‘Inculcating Industrial Skills in Academia: Key to Nation Building,’ as the guest speaker at the 14th Matriculation and 16th Congregation of the Ghana Christian University College (GCUC), Ing. Obo-Nai said the fast-changing global job market demands professionals skilled in tech skills and data science, stressing that the quality of human resources produced by our academic institutions will determine the competitiveness of our workforce.

“From my years of experience in industry, I dare say that the quality of human resources is the most critical. The quality of graduates we produce from our tertiary institutions will determine the quality of our future workforce. Industries and universities will need to develop structured work readiness programmes to serve as the vital bridge between the world of education and the workforce,” she added.

Ing. Obo-Nai pointed out that the rapid pace of change in consumer needs and business sustainability calls for academia to stay ahead of industry trends to better prepare students for the workforce. She shared a few key recommendations to help universities and students better align with industry needs, including revising curricula to include more industry input, partnering with industry for practical projects, and offering continuous opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange.

“Academia must be in touch with and, dare I say, ahead of industry to prepare a workforce that is fit for the future. Aside from the hard skills and knowledge you will acquire as students, one fundamental truth about the importance of education is the potential it gives us to transform knowledge into action,” she noted.

The ceremony, attended by members of the university’s Governing Council, Board of Trustees, university’s presidency, faculty, mentoring universities, and guests, saw the successful matriculation of 356 fresh students and graduation of 186 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Business Studies and Technology of GCUC.

Newly inducted president of GCUC, Rev. Dr. James Yamoah called for private sector support to improve the university’s infrastructure and realise their vision of training and churning out employable graduates.

“While our University College sees critical thinking as a necessity tool and therefore looking for any help that shall facilitate it so that our products will be able to compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere, we are also very much concerned about how our products will contribute to the efforts by the government and industries in building a robust economy that ensures employability and productivity with less or no graduate unemployment challenges,” Rev. Dr. Yamoah added.

GCUC’s Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Samuel K. Offei also added his voice to the call for external assistance from government and the private sector to improve the quality of holistic education the institution is delivering.

“We respectfully ask that you consider including Christian University College in your budgetary allocations for organisational assistance this year. Our urgent needs include expanding our infrastructure to accommodate more classrooms, administrative and faculty offices, a comprehensive library and skills laboratory, and student hostels to serve a growing student body.”

In her closing remarks, Obo-Nai urged all graduates to uphold integrity in their professional lives and to remember that their academic journey at Ghana Christian University College was both for their personal success and the greater good of nation-building.

“To our graduates, I have no doubt that you are equipped with the academic knowledge to succeed, but remember, no textbook can fully prepare you for the workplace. Learn to be humble, never stop learning, and approach your job with the attitude of continually proving your value.”

The Chief Executive Officer of McDan Group of Companies, Daniel McKorley popularly known as McDan has revealed his intention of investing in Ghana’s creative sector.

According to the business mogul known for his investments across other sectors of the economy, including aviation, his decision stems from the wealth of talent in the creative industry.

In an interview with NY DJ on BTM Afrika, Mr. McKorley praised Ghanaian creatives for their exceptional talent and strong work ethic, but noted that they often struggle to take their careers to the next level due to limited financial resources.

Citing Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy as cases in point, he said: “I can tell you that Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy are some of the most talented artists in Africa. None of these Nigerian artists comes close to them, although they are also talented. Their (Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy) music and stage performances are amazing.”

Asked why he would want to invest in the sector, Daniel McKorley highlighted the great financial potential of the creative economy.

“That space brings a lot of money, and I smile where there’s good money, but it’s not my space, so I would want to sit back as the godfather to support (financially, etc.) people to get into that space. You can’t be everywhere. If you’re living in the system, you have to give others a shoulder,” he further noted.

He also called on other businessmen to invest in the creative sector since musicians, and other creatives are great ambassadors of the country.

“I believe in my heart that they need serious support from businessmen. They are our ambassadors, and I feel we need to invest more in them. I’m not really into that space, but I can see some good young upcoming talents as well,” he added.

In 2022, Daniel McKorley awarded Ghanaian multidisciplinary creative George Quaye a $2 million contract.

He made this revelation during the McDan Youth Connect event which was held on August 11, 2022 at the KNUST in Kumasi.

While encouraging the youth to yearn for greatness and learn to grow by taking baby steps, McDan cited George Quaye, as one of the people who had grown tremendously in his field.

“I’m here with Aboagye. Aboagye you saw in ‘Taxi Driver’ just won a contract from me – about two million dollars. You saw him in ‘Taxi Driver’ like he was joking [in ‘Taxi Driver] but Aboagye had a purpose. Today, he is sitting here in suit. Everybody has something special in him,” he noted.

George Quaye, also the Team Lead for ImageBureau, has in the past few years been vibrant in the field of theatre. Together with his partner Naa Ashorkor, they have staged a number of brilliant plays, aiming to help project theatre in Ghana.

Source: Joy Entertainment

Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor

The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has thrown its weight behind efforts by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, to reform the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), describing the move as timely and necessary.

In a statement issued on April 2, 2025, PUWU expressed confidence in the Minister’s commitment to improving service delivery in the power sector and welcomed the establishment of a ministerial committee tasked with exploring the best strategy for transforming ECG.

“This is why we welcomed the ministerial committee established by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to explore the best approach for transforming ECG,” the union stated.

Signed by General Secretary Timothy Nyame, the statement revealed that PUWU has been closely monitoring developments at ECG since Dr. Jinapor’s appointment and had proactively submitted a joint position paper with the TUC to the Ministry.

The paper, according to the union, addressed major challenges facing ECG and proposed solutions that did not involve privatizing the utility company.

“Among the key concerns raised with the committee were procurement issues and excessive government interference in the company. Therefore, PUWU was not surprised when the Ministerial Investigative Committee uncovered significant procurement and clearing violations,” the statement read.

PUWU pledged its full support for the Committee’s ongoing efforts to locate the missing containers and ensure accountability for all those implicated.

The union’s endorsement of the Energy Ministry’s reform initiative signals a strong alliance between government and labor, both aiming to restore efficiency and credibility in Ghana’s power distribution sector.

SP/MA

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Nana Badu Bonsu Basic School, established in 1950 and located in New Takoradi near the Poasi Methodist Church in the Western region, has long been a hub of academic excellence.

Over the years, it has nurtured countless students who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in Ghana and beyond. Recently, the 1993 year group returned to their alma mater to give back and explore ways to further support the school.

Thirty-two years after graduating, the old students arrived not just to reconnect but to make a tangible impact. In line with tradition, they did not visit empty-handed. Their donation included a set of jerseys, three footballs, a pump, and three ceiling fans—items meant to enhance both the school’s sports activities and classroom conditions.

Speaking on behalf of the group, their spokesperson highlighted the significance of the visit. “We are here to bond with the school, reminisce, and network. We also want to see how we can contribute to the well-being of our younger ones. Having left here 32 years ago, we see a remarkable transformation, but there is still a lot that needs to be done. We are calling on all past students—our mates, seniors, and juniors—to come back and support the school.”

The headmistress, Mercy Appiah, expressed profound gratitude for the support but emphasised the school’s ongoing challenges. “We are very grateful for this generous donation. The footballs and jerseys will encourage our students, many of whom are talented in sports. However, we need more. We need computers, improved facilities, and additional support from the government, corporate bodies, philanthropists, and religious leaders. These little ones deserve the best foundation possible.”

Despite the school’s progress over the years, the call for assistance remains urgent. The 1993 year group has pledged to further discuss how they can provide sustained support. Meanwhile, the headmistress continues to appeal to stakeholders, urging them to invest in the future of the students.

For those willing to contribute to the school’s development, the time to act is now. Every effort counts in shaping the next generation of leaders from Nana Badu Bonsu Basic School.

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Yam exports to be affected by 10% tariffs

The imposition of trade tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to negatively affect Ghana’s export of various commodities across multiple sectors of the economy.

President Trump recently announced a 10% tariff on imports from Ghana, alongside sweeping new tariffs targeting nearly all U.S. trading partners.

China, for instance, has been hit with a 34% import tax, while goods from the European market face a 20% levy, measures that analysts warn could undermine key pillars of the global trade system and trigger broader trade conflicts.

The move is expected to impact global trade significantly, increasing the cost of both exports and imports.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on April 4, 2025, the following Ghanaian industries may be severely affected:

Apparel Industry: Over 5,000 young workers depend on exports to the U.S. The new tariff threatens both jobs and profits in a sector that has long struggled to establish itself in international markets.

Cocoa Exports: Although raw cocoa beans enter the U.S. duty-free, processed cocoa products, such as powder and paste, which make up nearly 30% of cocoa exports, are likely to be affected by the tariff. This could discourage value addition in the sector.

Yams: A staple among Ghanaian exports to the U.S., yams currently benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). However, a 10% tariff could erode this advantage, making Ghanaian yams less competitive in American markets.

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Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo

The Supreme Court will, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, hear a case challenging the procedure by President John Dramani Mahama to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.

The suit, filed by the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, questions the constitutionality of the process initiated by President Mahama following the receipt of three separate petitions seeking her removal.

Through his legal representative, former Attorney General Godfred Dame, Assafuah is asking the apex court to declare that the Chief Justice must be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against her before the President consults the Council of State, as stipulated in Article 146(6) of the Constitution.

On March 29, 2025, President Mahama directed the Chief Justice to submit a preliminary response to the removal petitions within 10 days.

He also condemned the unauthorised leakage of confidential documents related to the case.

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Watch as family member of former President Kufuor breaks silence over claims by 51-year-old man

Executive Secretary of Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobi

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has described the United States’ 10% tariff on imports from Ghana as a major setback for the country’s trading community.

He warned that the measure would adversely affect exporters and hinder business growth.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Awingobit expressed hope that the government would step in to address the issue.

“I must say it is a big blow to the Ghanaian business community, especially the exporters,” he said.

“We believe that the Government of Ghana will definitely have to tell us something about what they are going to do to salvage the situation at this point in time,” he added.

On April 2, 2025, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced tariffs targeting several countries, including a 34% tariff on Chinese imports, a 20% tariff on goods from the European Union, and a 10% tariff on exports from Ghana.

According to the White House, the tariffs are intended to counter perceived unfair trade practices.

Awingobit emphasised that traders are keenly awaiting action from the government to mitigate the impact.

SA/MA

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Environmental advocacy group AROCHA Ghana has commended the government for its decisive action in transferring all regional, divisional, and district police commanders serving in mining communities.

The reshuffle targets officers who have served extended periods in these areas without making significant progress in addressing illegal mining. The move is seen as a timely step toward strengthening the fight against the menace.

Speaking on Newsfeed on Channel One TV on Friday, April 4, Deputy National Director of Operations at AROCHA Ghana, Daryl Bosu, said the decision will promote accountability among police commanders and other key stakeholders.

“It is very good to hear the government taking these issues very seriously as one of the key measures to deal with galamsey. For a long time, we have tended to put pressure on MMDAs and let the police command get away with it.

“I am really happy to hear that we are now going to demand accountability from the various divisional commanders in the galamsey-prone areas. It is about time we get everybody in the chain of leadership to be responsible for what is happening.”

Despite welcoming the move, Bosu expressed concerns about the overall approach to fighting illegal mining, describing it as inadequate given the scale of the problem.

According to him, a more forceful and uncompromising approach is needed to deal effectively with the crisis.

“They have been on the street with us, when we were calling for a state of emergency and the repealing, all of these were commitments and promises they made. So we are very happy with the way and manner they handled the fight so far.

“But again, in the fight, it has not been as we expected. We expected them to be more brutal, ruthless, and very persistent to get them out of the field.”

The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has reassured Ghanaians that key U.S.-funded health programmes would not be affected by President Trump’s new tariffs.

Speaking in an interview with Joy News on Thursday, April 3 2025, she indicated that programs addressing infant and child mortality, maternal health, malaria, HIV, essential medicines, and vaccines would be spared.

Her remarks come in response to a series of new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, including a 34% levy on Chinese imports and a 20% tax on goods from the European Union. These measures have heightened global trade tensions and sparked mixed reactions from world leaders.

“Many of the programmes have been reviewed and changed, but Ghana has done better than many places. I’m very pleased that the life-saving programmes will continue,” she said.

She expressed confidence that Ghana’s key exports, such as gold and gas, would remain vital to global trade and would not be significantly affected by U.S. policy shifts.

“We have the historical and cultural [ties]. Also, more than $3 billion in bilateral trade investment is one of the key pillars. There are also goods and services—gold coming from here, gas coming from here—and we have automobiles and pharmaceuticals coming from the United States.

“So, it is something that builds prosperity in all the countries. It is all to say that no matter the changes in language and no matter the change in focus, Ghana remains an important part of the United States, and we will continue to be so,” she emphasized.

Ms. Palmer noted that the United States remains committed to Ghana’s economic recovery, citing upcoming initiatives such as a major U.S. trade mission and a planned U.S.- Africa Business Summit. “The United States is behind Ghana’s economic recovery through things like the World Bank and IMF, but also American company interest in coming here,” The ambassador noted.

The US Ambassador to Ghana’s assurance reinforced the enduring strength of the two countries even as global trade policies evolve.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Ghanaian students in Benin of improved conditions and enhanced support from the government.

The Minister, who engaged with the students, during an official visit to Benin, emphasized his commitment to addressing their challenges and ensuring their welfare.

Ablakwa revealed that upon arrival in Benin, he immediately inquired about the state of Ghanaian students and was provided with a comprehensive report by the Acting Head of Mission.

He acknowledged the financial struggles faced by the students and pledged to take action upon his return to Ghana.

“I have asked that the Director of the Scholarship Secretariat sees me when I return so that we can improve your conditions,” he stated.

Ablakwa also pointed out that the students’ monthly stipend had remained unchanged for several years and described it as “too big,” hinting at a review.

The Minister highlighted the establishment of student desks in all Ghanaian missions worldwide as a measure to provide specialized consular support for students.

“Students, in my estimation, are the most vulnerable. They are young, away from their parents, not working, and not earning. They deserve special attention,” he noted.

Ablakwa assured the students that the government would not only establish these desks, but also follow up to ensure they translate into tangible improvements in students’ lives.

He pledged to make their well-being a personal project, promising to take immediate action to address their concerns.

Additionally, the Minister mentioned his intent to explore ways to contribute to a student fund, similar to the support provided to embassy staff.

He encouraged continued engagement with the students before concluding his visit.