Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has interacted with Ghanaians living in Benin to help address their challenges.
The Minister, accompanied by his entourage, met with women, students, and leaders of the Ghanaian communities in Benin.
There are currently over 2,000 Ghanaians living in Benin, facing issues such as non-recognition of consular identity cards, travel and trade barriers, challenges with acquiring the Ghana Card, and a lack of support for stranded travelers from Ghana.
The community also raised concerns about security harassment, particularly when transporting goods to Ghana via road.
Additionally, the Ghanaian community in Benin appealed to President John Mahama and the Minister to facilitate the actualization of the Representation of the People Amendment Law (ROPAL), which would enable them to exercise their right to vote.
Moses Oklu Tetteh, the President of the Ghana Association of United Communities in Benin, led the discussion during the meeting with Mr. Ablakwa.
In response, Mr. Ablakwa took time to explain government policies and programmes to the community, pledging his willingness to help address the array of challenges they are facing.
The Minister also announced a $2 million emergency fund earmarked for Ghanaians abroad, aimed at assisting with urgent needs.
Mr. Ablakwa further met with mission services and exchanged ideas on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the Government of Ghana and the Republic of Benin.
Additionally, he assured Ghanaian students in Benin that the establishment of a students’ desk at the Ministry will help address their challenges and ensure the successful completion of their academic programs.
This visit is part of an initiative to establish direct contact with Ghanaians living abroad. Under the initiative, Mr. Ablakwa and officials from the Ministry will embark on visits to Ghanaian embassies and communities abroad to gather first-hand information.
