The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Ghanaian students studying abroad of plans to increase their allowances. While he did not disclose a specific amount, he indicated that consultations would be held to review and enhance the stipends provided to students.
Speaking to Ghanaians residing in Benin during an official visit, the Foreign Affairs Minister also stated that, in addition to the increment, efforts would be made to ensure the timely disbursement of allowances.
Currently, Ghanaian students in Benin enrolled in a one-year exchange program receive a monthly stipend of CFA 45,000 (GHS 1,147), a one-time book allowance of CFA 60,000 (GHS 1,500), and another CFA 60,000 (GHS 1,500) allocated for medical expenses.
About 40 students from UNIMAC and the University of Ghana are currently in Benin studying French under the exchange program, with an additional 30 students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) expected to join them next week.
These students form part of the over 2,000 Ghanaian nationals currently residing in Benin, according to records from Ghana’s mission in the country.
The students raised concerns about the shortening of their program duration, stating that “the 12-month duration has been reduced to six months,” which they say has made it difficult to keep pace with the academic demands.
The meeting with the Ghanaian community in Cotonou drew over 100 attendees. The Minister emphasized that this engagement is part of his policy to visit a Ghanaian mission abroad every quarter to connect with citizens and respond swiftly to their concerns. Benin and Nigeria are the first countries on his travel schedule.
Credit: channel1news
