Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Ghanaians living abroad that the Mahama administration is strengthening consular services and expanding support systems to better protect citizens overseas, as government intensifies efforts to deepen engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting with Ghanaians in the Tri-State Area on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Mr. Ablakwa said the government is implementing new measures to improve the welfare, protection and representation of Ghanaians across the world.
Central to that effort, he revealed, is the creation of a comprehensive global database that captures the consular status of Ghanaians abroad. According to the Minister, the initiative will enhance the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ ability to identify citizens facing immigration difficulties, detention, legal challenges and other emergencies, allowing for faster and more effective intervention.
Mr. Ablakwa described the database project as a major shift in the way Ghana engages and supports its citizens overseas, saying it will strengthen the country’s capacity to monitor the welfare of Ghanaians regardless of where they reside.
The Minister noted that the government’s outreach is not limited to traditional diaspora destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. He disclosed that Ghana has also extended consular engagement to citizens living in countries including Myanmar, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Ghanaian is left without access to support from their home country.
On immigration matters, Mr. Ablakwa addressed concerns relating to U.S. immigrant visa processing and expressed optimism that the longstanding diplomatic ties between Ghana and the United States would continue to facilitate cooperation and positive outcomes for Ghanaian applicants.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also used the forum to highlight the economic significance of the Ghanaian diaspora, describing Ghanaians abroad as indispensable partners in the country’s development agenda.
He praised diaspora communities for their contributions through remittances, investments, philanthropy, skills transfer and business development, noting that their support continues to play a critical role in strengthening Ghana’s economy.
Citing data from the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Ablakwa said remittance inflows had increased significantly over the years, rising from approximately US$4.6 billion in 2014 to US$7.8 billion in 2025.
According to him, the figures reflect the growing influence of the diaspora in Ghana’s economic development and underscore the need for government policies that support stronger engagement with citizens living abroad.
He assured participants that the Mahama administration remains committed to placing the welfare and interests of Ghanaians overseas at the centre of foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.
The town hall also heard tributes to the Ghanaian community in the Tri-State Area, which officials described as one of the most vibrant and influential Ghanaian populations abroad.
Government representatives noted that Ghanaians in the region continue to make significant contributions across sectors including healthcare, finance, technology, academia, transportation, hospitality and entrepreneurship, while maintaining strong economic and social ties with Ghana.
The engagement formed part of Ghana’s broader diaspora outreach programme during the 81st UN General Assembly, with government officials using the platform to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening diaspora relations, improving consular services and creating stronger partnerships with Ghanaians abroad in support of the country’s development agenda.
As the Mahama administration pursues its Reset Agenda, officials say deeper collaboration with the diaspora will remain a key pillar of efforts to attract investment, transfer skills and expand Ghana’s global influence through its citizens living around the world.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
