Ghana to receive 40 more West African deportees under US deal
Ghana will receive another batch of 40 West African deportees from the United States in the coming days under a third-country returns arrangement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Mr Ablakwa said the new arrivals would follow two earlier batches that had already been processed. “We have received two batches already, and there is a third batch coming. About 40 are expected in the next few days,” he said.
He explained that the arrangement is being carried out under a memorandum of understanding signed with Washington, covering nationals from across the West African region.
He noted that Ghana’s security agencies would thoroughly screen all arrivals. “We are not accepting hardened criminals, persons associated with terrorism or violent extremism, and anyone on Interpol’s wanted list,” he stated.
President John Dramani Mahama had earlier defended the deal at the media engagement at the Jubilee House last week, describing it as a humanitarian measure rooted in Ghana’s Pan-African values.
He said the country was offering temporary refuge to stranded migrants before facilitating their return to their home countries. “This is not an endorsement of US immigration policy. It is about helping fellow Africans transit safely back to their nations,” the President explained.
So far, 14 migrants, 13 Nigerians and one Gambian, have passed through Ghana under the scheme, according to government disclosures. They were later assisted in returning to their countries.
Read also: MoU for Ghana to accept deportees from US is just to help 'our brothers and sisters' – Ablakwa
Mr Ablakwa dismissed claims that the agreement involved financial inducements. “Ghana has not received and does not seek any financial compensation or material benefit,” he said.
He also argued that parliamentary approval was not required since the arrangement falls within the administrative mandate of the foreign ministry, though critics have raised concerns about constitutionality and sovereignty.
The initiative has stirred debate over its impact on Ghana’s security and social services. The Minority in Parliament has cited Article 75 of the Constitution, arguing that the agreement should be placed before the legislature. Some civil society groups have also questioned the level of consultation and transparency involved.
