Three Ghanaian nationals are set to be deported from the United States on commercial flights in the coming weeks, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed.
The deportations are scheduled for March 19, March 28, and April 1.
Providing an update in Parliament, Mr. Ablakwa clarified that contrary to reports of mass detentions, no Ghanaian is currently in U.S. custody awaiting deportation.
“None of the affected Ghanaians are in detention as we speak. 50 out of the 150 individuals have received final deportation orders for court. Their deportation is expected to take place by mid-year. The remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed,” he said.
He also disclosed that one Ghanaian, who was facing deportation, has been released on medical grounds following diplomatic intervention. Additionally, ten others have been interviewed by Ghana’s Embassy in the U.S. to confirm their nationality and ensure they were given due process. Their deportation is awaiting final arrangements from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The issue of deportations has drawn attention in recent months, especially following claims that over 6,000 Ghanaians were at risk of being removed from the U.S. Mr. Ablakwa, however, dismissed the reports, stating that official communication from Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Washington put the actual number at 156.
“There have been reports suggesting that about 6,200 Ghanaians will be affected by the mass deportation from the United States. However, based on the official brief I have received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the actual number currently communicated to us from Washington, D.C., stands at 156, not 6,200,” he stated.
He assured Parliament that the government is working closely with U.S. authorities to ensure that deported Ghanaians are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.
“We will not leave them to struggle on their own. The government of Ghana and its people care about their plight, and we are doing our best to extend consular assistance to them,” he added.
The deportations come as part of a wider immigration enforcement effort by U.S. authorities, which began on January 26 and has already led to the arrest of nearly 1,000 individuals. The operation, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targets individuals considered to be a threat to public safety or in violation of immigration laws.
The Ghanaian government says it will continue to engage with U.S. officials to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to affected nationals.
