Ghana has officially joined the list of countries accepting deportees from the United States, as part of Washington’s broader efforts to curb undocumented migration.
President John Mahama revealed that under a bilateral arrangement with the U.S., Ghana has agreed to temporarily host nationals from other West African countries who have been deported. So far, 14 individuals have arrived in Ghana, including several Nigerians and one Gambian.
Mahama emphasized that the move aligns with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement, which permits citizens of member states to travel, reside, and work across the region without the need for visas.
“We were approached by the U.S. to accept third-country nationals being deported,” Mahama said. “We agreed to take in fellow West Africans, as they don’t require visas to enter Ghana.”
According to the president, arrangements have already been made for the Nigerian deportees to return home by bus, while Ghana continues to assist the Gambian national with onward travel.
This development comes amid a wave of U.S. deportations to various African nations. In recent weeks, seven migrants were sent to Rwanda, five to Eswatini, and eight to South Sudan. Outside Africa, deportees have also been returned to countries including Jamaica, Vietnam, and Laos—actions that have drawn criticism from human rights organizations who argue the policy infringes on basic rights.
Mahama acknowledged that Ghana’s relationship with the U.S. has faced challenges, citing increased tariffs on Ghanaian exports and visa restrictions affecting Ghanaian citizens. Nonetheless, he maintained that overall diplomatic ties remain positive.
Meanwhile, some countries have pushed back against the U.S. policy. Nigeria, for instance, has refused to accept deportees who are not its citizens, asserting its stance against external pressure. The legality of deporting individuals to countries where they hold no citizenship continues to be a contentious issue in international law.
Source: Africafeeds.com
