The minister-designate for foreign affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has promised to establish a consular fund to support Ghanaians in distress abroad if approved as a minister.
During his vetting on Friday, January 31, 2025, the nominee said that there were challenges faced by Ghanaian embassies and high commissions in assisting citizens overseas.
“I was shocked to learn that our hard-working Foreign Service staff sometimes have to use their own money to help distressed Ghanaians,” he revealed.
According to the MP, the Foreign Ministry’s budget currently lacks a dedicated fund for consular support, which is essential under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963).
He explained that the consular fund would be crucial, especially in light of the United States’ recent announcement of mass deportations.
Mr. Ablakwa, who represents the constituents of North Tongu, opined that Ghanaians facing deportation must receive legal assistance to protect their rights.
“When given the nod, I will ensure that we establish a Consular Fund. We must make sure that this fund exists and can be accessed by our foreign service staff to extend assistance, particularly in this period where the United States has announced mass deportations.”
“Those who may be rounded up to be deported are entitled to consular support. We must get them legal support so that they are not just rounded up and deported with their rights violated. That is a violation of their human rights and an affront to their dignity, and these are matters that I will pursue.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
