Allowances for students abroad to be increased – Foreign Affairs Minister

The minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has promised and assured Ghanaian students studying abroad of the government’s plans to increase their monthly stipends

While specific figures were not unveiled, the minister said consultations soon begin to review and increase allowances provided to students under government-supported programmes.

Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Cotonou, Benin during an official visit, Mr. Ablakwa pledged efforts to ensure the punctual disbursement of stipends, which students claim are often delayed.

Currently, Ghanaian students in Benin enrolled in a one-year exchange programme receive a monthly stipend of CFA 45,000 (GHS 1,147), along with a one-time book allowance of CFA 60,000 (GHS 1,500), and another CFA 60,000 for medical expenses.

About 40 students from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) and the University of Ghana are currently studying French in Benin, with 30 more from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) expected to join them next week.

The students raised concerns about recent changes to the programme’s duration, stating that “the 12-month duration has been reduced to six months,” making it difficult to meet academic requirements.

According to records from Ghana’s mission in Benin, over 2,000 Ghanaian nationals currently reside in the country.

The Minister’s engagement with the Ghanaian community in Cotonou brought together more than 100 participants. He emphasized that the visit forms part of a new policy to engage with Ghanaians abroad quarterly and respond proactively to their concerns. Benin and Nigeria are the first countries on his travel schedule.