Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced plans to establish a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to provide emergency support to citizens who find themselves in distress or crisis situations abroad.
According to the Minister, the fund will serve as an emergency response mechanism, enabling the government to quickly mobilise resources to assist Ghanaians whose safety and welfare may be at risk while outside the country.
Mr. Ablakwa made the announcement while addressing journalists on the government’s efforts to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
He said the establishment of the fund would strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond effectively 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,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Ghanaians, regardless of where they live or travel.
“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,” he added.
The announcement comes as the government continues to coordinate the evacuation and provision of support to Ghanaians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
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