Foreign Affairs Ministry to launch Diaspora Consular Fund

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana plans to launch a new fund called the Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund. This fund will be used to provide emergency assistance to Ghanaians in distress when they are abroad. The minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced this on Monday at a media briefing in Accra. The fund will specifically focus on urgent evacuations, repatriations, and other consular interventions for Ghanaian nationals living outside the country.

The announcement came after the successful evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa due to a surge in xenophobic attacks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to make significant financial and logistical efforts to evacuate the Ghanaians from South Africa. The evacuation began on May 27 and concluded on September 4, 2026. The total cost of the evacuation was GH¢49,721,786, which covered expenses like chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, medical care, hotel accommodation in Ghana, repatriation of mortal remains, and more.

The Minister explained that the need for such a dedicated fund arises from the recurring emergencies that place significant demands on the government and its diplomatic missions. These emergencies require swift mobilization of resources for the safety and well-being of Ghanaian citizens. Since 2025, the government has repatriated 4,972 Ghanaians from different countries, including Libya, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Cambodia, Algeria, Kuwait, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Morocco, and Iraq.

These repatriations were carried out by the Ministry, its diplomatic missions, and international partners.

The Minister emphasized that the proposed fund will serve as a structured mechanism to mobilize resources for such emergencies, providing a quick and efficient response without relying on ad hoc arrangements. The evacuation from South Africa, which was not anticipated in the budget, demonstrated the urgent need for this kind of financial support. The Government's swift action to address the crisis highlights the importance of maintaining the capacity to respond rapidly when its citizens face emergencies abroad.