The Government of Ghana has officially announced that 188 Ghanaian nationals are slated for deportation from the United States as part of a renewed immigration enforcement initiative launched under President Donald Trump.
This development comes amidst growing scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies and their impact on various countries.
During a press conference held in Accra on June 26, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that U.S. authorities had formally informed Ghanaian officials about the deportation list.
He emphasised Ghana’s commitment to collaborating with U.S. agencies to ensure that the repatriation process is handled with dignity and respect.
鈥淲e have so far been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on President Trump鈥檚 deportation list,鈥 Mr. Ablakwa stated. 鈥淥ur embassies in New York and Washington are cooperating with U.S. counterparts, and travel certificates are being promptly issued.鈥
In his remarks, he assured the public that Ghana is prepared to welcome the deportees back home with respect. The government has initiated a comprehensive reintegration program in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service to aid in this process.
鈥淲e will be at the airport to welcome our compatriots and ensure they are properly integrated,鈥 he noted. 鈥淭his will be done discreetly to protect their dignity, especially since many are returning under distressing circumstances鈥攕ome without personal belongings or savings.鈥
The announcement coincides with reports from The Washington Post, indicating that the Trump administration is contemplating expanding visa and travel restrictions to include as many as 36 countries鈥攁 notable increase from the 19 nations affected during the president’s initial term.
Although Ghana has not been explicitly named in any expanded ban, Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the government is remaining vigilant.
鈥淲e鈥檝e had very productive meetings with the U.S. State Department and White House officials. Ghana鈥檚 long-standing and strategic ties with the United States will count for something,鈥 he asserted.
He reiterated that Ghana has consistently shown goodwill in adhering to U.S. immigration laws and expects equitable treatment in return. 鈥淲e are confident Ghana will not be treated like countries facing serious national security red flags. Our cooperation has been consistent, and we remain a responsible partner,鈥 Mr. Ablakwa affirmed.
Providing additional context, he revealed that 56 of the 188 individuals listed have already been returned to Ghana, with the remaining cases at various processing stages. While acknowledging the rights of the U.S. government to enforce its immigration laws, he called for a humane approach that respects the rights and dignity of those being deported.
In a related matter, the Minister highlighted a recent collaboration between Ghana and the United States that led to the arrest and extradition of suspects involved in a $100 million fraud case. 鈥淭his level of cooperation underlines the maturity of our bilateral relationship,鈥 he remarked.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to engage diplomatically to ensure that actions taken by U.S. authorities adhere to international human rights standards. As Ghana navigates this complex situation, the government remains focused on the welfare and rights of its citizens.