The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Ghanaian students studying abroad that the government plans to increase their monthly stipends.
Though specific amounts were not shared, the Minister announced that consultations will soon begin to review and improve the allowances provided to students on government-funded programs. During an official visit to Cotonou, Benin, where he met with members of the Ghanaian community, Mr. Ablakwa also committed to ensuring that stipends are paid on time, addressing concerns about frequent delays.
Currently, Ghanaian students in Benin enrolled in a one-year exchange program receive a monthly stipend of CFA 45,000 (GHS 1,147), along with a one-time book allowance of CFA 60,000 (GHS 1,500) and CFA 60,000 for medical expenses.
Around 40 students from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) and the University of Ghana are studying French in Benin, with 30 more from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) expected to join next week. These students expressed concerns about the program’s duration being reduced from 12 months to 6 months, which they say makes it challenging to meet academic requirements.
According to Ghana’s mission in Benin, more than 2,000 Ghanaian nationals currently reside in the country.
The Minister’s visit, which gathered over 100 participants, is part of a new initiative to engage with Ghanaians abroad on a quarterly basis and address their concerns. Benin and Nigeria are the first countries on his travel schedule.
