Ablakwa assures Ghanaians in New York of stronger consular support and recognition of diaspora contributions
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening consular services and protecting the interests of Ghanaians abroad, while acknowledging the significant contribution of the diaspora to Ghana’s development.
Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured Ghanaians in New York of enhanced consular support and recognition of the diaspora's contributions to Ghana's growth during a town hall meeting. Addressing immigration and consular concerns, Ablakwa unveiled a new database to track the consular status of Ghanaians worldwide, enabling the Ministry to promptly assist those facing immigration issues such as detention and the need for legal aid.
This initiative represents a significant improvement in the Ministry's ability to monitor the welfare of Ghanaians abroad, extending beyond major diaspora centers in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Ablakwa also discussed ongoing efforts in U.S. immigrant visa processing for Ghanaian applicants, expressing confidence in the strong bilateral relationship between Ghana and the United States.
The U.S. Department of State had temporarily paused immigrant visa issuance for Ghana in August 2026, but lifted the pause following a court order. Praise was given to the diaspora for their substantial economic contributions to Ghana through remittances, investments, and other engagements, with remittance inflows increasing from around US$4.6 billion in 2014 to US$7.8 billion in 2025.
Ablakwa pledged ongoing government support for Ghanaians abroad and affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to prioritize their welfare and interests.
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