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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced plans to increase the monthly stipends for Ghanaian students studying abroad under government-sponsored programmes.
The Minister made the announcement during an official engagement with members of the Ghanaian community in Cotonou, Benin. While he did not disclose specific figures, Mr. Ablakwa assured that consultations would soon begin to review and enhance the current allowance structure.
As part of his commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian students overseas, the Minister also pledged to work toward the timely disbursement of stipends, which students have long complained are often delayed.
Currently, Ghanaian students in Benin enrolled in a one-year French exchange programme receive a monthly stipend of CFA 45,000 (approximately GHS 1,147), a one-time book allowance of CFA 60,000 (GHS 1,500), and CFA 60,000 for medical expenses.
About 40 students from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) and the University of Ghana are presently participating in the programme, with 30 more students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) expected to arrive next week.
During the meeting, students raised concerns about the sudden reduction of the programme’s duration from 12 months to six months, stating that the change poses challenges in meeting their academic goals.
According to Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Benin, over 2,000 Ghanaian nationals currently reside in the country.
The Minister’s visit brought together more than 100 participants and forms part of a new initiative by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to engage with Ghanaian communities abroad on a quarterly basis. Benin and Nigeria are the first countries included in this round of outreach.
