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 (rtd), has extended the Embassy's diaspora engagement and consular outreach programme to Ghanaians living in San Pedro, Sassandra, Grand Lahou and Tabou in western Côte d'Ivoire.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening ties with Ghanaians living outside Abidjan, improving access to consular services and addressing concerns affecting their welfare and protection.

During engagements with the Ghanaian communities, the Ambassador conveyed the greetings of President John Dramani Mahama and the government, assuring them of the Embassy's commitment to protecting their interests in the host country.

He explained that the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan was responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, as well as promoting Ghana's national interests and protecting its citizens.

Brigadier General Abu stressed that the welfare and protection of Ghanaians remained a priority for the Mission, saying no Ghanaian should feel abandoned or neglected while living in Côte d'Ivoire.

"Hence the doors of the Embassy are open to them at all times," he said.

He outlined the consular services available to Ghanaians, including passport processing and issuance, visas, consular identity cards, attestations, emergency travel certificates and registration of Ghanaian nationals.

The Ambassador encouraged Ghanaians to register with the Embassy to enable officials to locate and assist them during emergencies and other crises.

He also assured the communities that the biannual Meet Your Ambassador town hall meetings would continue to provide opportunities for the government to explain its policies and programmes while listening to the concerns and grievances of Ghanaians abroad.

The Ambassador disclosed that he had led an Embassy delegation to visit Ghanaian nationals detained at the Penitentiary Pole Prison in Abidjan, formerly known as Maison d'Arrêt et de Correction d'Abidjan (MACCA), to provide consular assistance.

He said plans were underway to visit other prisons to extend similar support to detained Ghanaians.

The visits form part of the Embassy's broader responsibility to provide consular assistance to citizens facing difficulties in the host country.

Brigadier General Abu said the Embassy was working towards establishing a Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside plans to organise trade bazaars and cultural events to promote commerce and tourism between the two countries.

He cited the participation of 47 Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises in the 2026 Semaine Internationale de l'Artisanat de Grand-Bassam (SIAB), held in Côte d'Ivoire from July 30 to August 9, as an example of efforts to expand commercial opportunities.

The participation was facilitated by the Ghana Embassy under the auspices of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).

On education, the Ambassador said Accra Technical University, Nduom School of Business and Technology, and the University of Cape Coast had signed memoranda of understanding with Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education to facilitate student exchange programmes.

He disclosed that 25 Ivorian students travelled from Abidjan on September 23, 2026, to pursue various programmes at Accra Technical University.

The Ambassador also briefed the Ghanaian communities on President Mahama's Reset Agenda, highlighting developments in the economy, infrastructure, education and healthcare.

He cited a reported decline in inflation to 5.2% in September 2026, reductions in public debt, relative price stability and the performance of the cedi as indicators of the government's economic programme.

He also highlighted the phased implementation of the 24-Hour Economy initiative, mentioning the Passport Office, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority as institutions operating around the clock.

Other initiatives he referenced included the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), the Free Senior High School programme, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), and the government's Big Push infrastructure programme.

The Ambassador also pointed to planned road infrastructure, including the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway, as part of efforts to improve connectivity and support economic activity.

In healthcare, he cited the implementation of primary healthcare initiatives and efforts to expand the local manufacture of medicines and vaccines.

These developments, he said, formed part of the government's broader economic and social transformation agenda.

Brigadier General Abu encouraged Ghanaians in Côte d'Ivoire to explore business and investment opportunities in Ghana, saying the government's policies were intended to create a conducive environment for investment.

He also highlighted skills development initiatives, including the Edwumawura and Million Coders programmes, and the support available through the Tree Crops Development Authority for individuals interested in tree-crop farming.

He urged members of the diaspora to consider how their skills, experience and investments could contribute to Ghana's development.

The Ambassador reminded the Ghanaian communities of the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, urging them to protect the cordial ties between the two countries through responsible conduct.

He advised Ghanaians to respect Ivorian laws, regulations, customs and traditions, and to live peacefully with their host communities.

"United we stand, divided we fall," he said.

He also encouraged them to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings and seek travel advice from the Embassy before travelling to neighbouring countries.

"The Embassy is at your service 24/7, so do not hesitate to call on the Embassy anytime for assistance or advice when faced with challenges you cannot comprehend," he added.

The outreach forms part of the Ghana Embassy's efforts to strengthen engagement with citizens across Côte d'Ivoire, improve access to consular support and promote trade, investment and educational cooperation between the two countries.