Ghana’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire extends consular outreach to four western towns

Ghana's Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Brigadier General Alhassan Abu (retired), has expanded the embassy's outreach to four western Ivorian cities: San Pedro, Sassandra, Grand Lahou, and Tabou. This initiative aims to enhance engagement with Ghanaians residing outside Abidjan, improve access to consular services, and address their welfare concerns.

During interactions with these communities, the ambassador conveyed the messages of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian government, emphasizing the embassy's commitment to protecting their interests in Côte d'Ivoire. The ambassador explained that the embassy in Abidjan maintains diplomatic relations between the two nations and safeguards Ghanaian citizens' interests.

He assured that the embassy's door is always open to Ghanaians living in the area, offering consular services such as passport processing, visa applications, consular identity cards, attestations, emergency travel certificates, and the registration of Ghanaian nationals. The ambassador also encouraged diaspora members to register with the embassy to facilitate assistance during emergencies.

The ambassador's office has arranged visits to detained Ghanaian nationals at the Penitentiary Pole Prison in Abidjan and plans to visit other prisons to provide similar support. Efforts are underway to establish a Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with plans for trade bazaars and cultural events to boost commerce and tourism between the nations.

In education, Accra Technical University, Nduom School of Business and Technology, and the University of Cape Coast have signed memorandums of understanding with Ivory Coast's Ministry of National Education to facilitate student exchange programs. The ambassador briefed the communities on President Mahama's Reset Agenda, including economic improvements like a declining inflation rate, reduced public debt, relative price stability, and a strong cedi.

Other initiatives include the 24-Hour Economy, the Ghana Gold Board, Free Senior High School program, Operation Recover All Loot, and the Big Push infrastructure program. The ambassador urged Ghanaians in Côte d'Ivoire to explore investment opportunities in Ghana and emphasized the importance of respecting Ivorian laws, customs, and traditions while living in the country.