Former Deputy Foreign Minister Criticizes Establishment of Students Desk in Ghana’s Foreign Missions
Former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kwaku Apratwum, has strongly criticized the recent decision by the current Foreign Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to establish “Students Desks” in eleven of Ghana’s foreign missions.
According to Hon. Apratwum, the move is unnecessary and reflects a lack of understanding of the functions of Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Hon. Apratwum claims that the announcement, made by Minister Ablakwa via his social media platforms, reveals a rush to make an impact without fully considering the realities of the situation.
The Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa had instructed the missions to set up special departments to address challenges faced by Ghanaian students abroad, including issues related to fees, immigration, medical emergencies, academic records, and accommodation.
He also stated that the creation of these desks would not incur additional costs or require new recruitment, as it would involve reassigning consular staff.
However, Hon. Apratwum refutes this, arguing that the responsibilities Minister Ablakwa seeks to address are already being handled by consular officers and designated officers from the Scholarship Secretariat.
These officers already manage fee payments, immigration support, medical emergencies, and academic record verification for Ghanaian students, particularly those on government scholarships.
“The idea that these concerns require the establishment of new ‘special departments’ is misleading,” Hon. Apratwum stated. “In missions where designated officers are not present, consular officers assist in handling these matters as part of their core duties.”
He further pointed out that during the Ukraine crisis, consular officers in Ghana’s missions in Prague, Russia, Germany, and Austria successfully assisted in the evacuation of Ghanaian students from Ukraine, addressing similar issues without the need for a new initiative.
He suggested that the Minister’s decision may have been influenced by advice from Ministry technocrats but dismissed it in favor of a politically-driven public announcement.
Hon. Apratwum also noted that the most pressing issue for Ghanaian students abroad, especially those on government scholarships, is the delay in the disbursement of fees and stipends.
Instead of creating a new desk, he argued, the government should prioritize timely payments to the Scholarship Secretariat to ensure students receive their financial support on time.
The former deputy minister expressed concern over Minister Ablakwa’s use of social media to announce administrative changes, calling it an inappropriate method for handling such matters.
He advised the Minister to focus on addressing the underlying issues and to avoid using social media for what he described as “fame-seeking” announcements that could damage the reputation of the Foreign Ministry.
As the debate over the creation of the Students Desk continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider the decision or move forward with its implementation
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