Ghana is set to receive another group of 40 West African nationals deported from the United States in the coming days, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The announcement follows Ghana’s acceptance of 14 deportees earlier this month, a decision that has stirred heated debate among policymakers and citizens alike. The Minority in Parliament strongly criticised the government’s move, accusing officials of bypassing constitutional provisions and failing to secure parliamentary approval.
However, Mr. Ablakwa clarified that the arrangement with the United States is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that does not require ratification by Parliament. He explained that the agreement is operational in nature and allows Ghana to provide humanitarian support to vulnerable Africans stranded abroad.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday, September 17, the Minister confirmed the imminent arrival of the new batch.
“I can reveal to you that we’re expecting another 40 in the next few days. We vet them before they come,” Ablakwa disclosed.
The Minister was quick to stress that Ghana’s decision was guided by humanitarian concerns rather than political alignment with the United States. He rejected claims that the government was capitulating to foreign pressure.
“We didn’t agree to this because we support President Trump’s immigration policies. We’re not doing the US a favour. We’re doing our fellow Africans a favour; we’re offering them refuge, hope, and the chance to be comfortable back home,” he said.
Ablakwa noted that the government was particularly moved by the images of harsh treatment endured by deportees abroad. He referenced incidents of rights violations, forced detentions, and poor living conditions in detention centres.
“It was purely on a humanitarian basis; we did not take any financial benefits. We’re doing this because we want to continue to position Ghana as the Mecca for Africans,” he emphasised.
The Minority in Parliament maintains that government should have sought approval before committing to the agreement, arguing that such arrangements impact national sovereignty. Critics also warn that the continuous intake of deportees could strain Ghana’s resources if not properly managed.
But supporters of the decision argue that Ghana has long played a leadership role in African solidarity and should continue to offer refuge to West Africans in need. Civil society groups have called for better reintegration programmes to ensure deportees can adapt and contribute positively to society.
The United States has stepped up deportations in recent years as part of stricter immigration policies. Ghana, like several other African countries, has occasionally resisted mass repatriation requests, citing human rights concerns. However, this particular arrangement has been framed as a regional effort to provide safe return for West Africans rather than simply a bilateral deal.
Observers note that while the debate is likely to continue, Ghana’s response underscores the nation’s dual responsibility: protecting its sovereignty while also extending solidarity to fellow Africans facing adversity abroad.
As the 40 deportees prepare to arrive, the government says it is committed to ensuring their safe reintegration. Vetting procedures will remain in place to protect national security, while humanitarian support will help them restart their lives.
For Ablakwa, the decision reflects Ghana’s values. “This is not about politics. It is about humanity,” he concluded.
