Fifty Ghanaians facing deportation from the United States are expected to be deported by mid-2025, according to an update from Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Briefing Parliament on the latest developments regarding Ghanaians in U.S. immigration detention, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that a total of 150 Ghanaians have been accused of various offenses, including illegal entry, internet fraud, and rape.
“None of the affected Ghanaians are in detention as we speak. Fifty 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 clarified.
The Minister further revealed that the Ghanaian government had intervened in one case on humanitarian grounds, leading to the release of a detainee who required urgent medical attention.
Additionally, three Ghanaians have been scheduled to leave the U.S. on commercial flights, departing on March 19, March 28, and April 1, respectively.
As part of the verification process, ten other Ghanaians have undergone interviews with the Ghanaian Embassy to confirm their nationality and ensure they have been granted a fair hearing. These individuals are currently awaiting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to finalize travel arrangements before their deportation can proceed.
US Deportations: The Foreign Minister reveals that 150 Ghanaians are currently detained in various centers across the U.S., awaiting deportation.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/099NhL3rHl
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 13, 2025
A month ago, reports suggested that up to 156 Ghanaians were facing imminent deportation due to stricter immigration enforcement measures. However, addressing Parliament’s Appointments Committee in February, Mr. Ablakwa dispelled exaggerated figures, stating that official communication from Washington, D.C., put the number at 156, not 6,200 as widely speculated.
“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 clarified.
The Minister reassured Parliament that the government, through its consulate in the U.S., remains committed to ensuring that the deportation process is carried out in a humane manner, with the necessary consular support extended to affected individuals.
“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,” Mr. Ablakwa assured.
Meanwhile, the broader immigration crackdown in the U.S. continues. The enforcement operation, initiated on January 26, has seen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents collaborating with the Justice Department to target individuals deemed threats to public safety and national security. The operation has already led to the arrest of nearly 1,000 individuals and is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
The Ghanaian government has vowed to maintain open dialogue with U.S. authorities to monitor developments and safeguard the well-being of its citizens affected by the deportations.
