By The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed important information. In 2024, 94 Ghanaians were deported from the United States. This was part of the US government’s intensified immigration crackdown.
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Mr Ablakwa addressed Parliament. He stated that no Ghanaian had been deported from the US so far this year. He referenced data from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The data recorded 37,660 deportations in January 2025. No Ghanaians were included in these deportations.
He further revealed that two Ghanaians had recently been deported to Costa Rica. Ghana’s Washington Mission is working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). They are facilitating the transfer back to Ghana.
150 Ghanaians await deportation
Mr Ablakwa provided additional details. He informed Parliament that 150 Ghanaians are currently being held in various US detention centres. They are held for offences such as rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry.
Advertisement
“Fifty out of the 150 individuals have received final deportation orders from the court, with their deportation expected by mid-year. The remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed,” he noted.
He added that diplomatic interventions had secured the release of one Ghanaian on medical grounds. Three others are scheduled to depart the US on commercial flights on March 19, March 28, and April 1, 2025.
The Ghanaian Embassy has interviewed ten Ghanaians to verify their nationality. This step ensures they have received a fair hearing. They are now waiting for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to buy their flight tickets. Only then can their travel documents be issued.
Unaccompanied Ghanaian migrant children at risk
The Minister also revealed a recent directive from US ICE. This directive has placed over 600,000 unaccompanied migrant children under review. They are being considered for possible deportation.
“There are four Ghanaian children known to the Ghana Mission. They fall under this category,” he disclosed. He added that these minors could face deportation if they fail to prove familial connections or legal guardianship.
Expansion of US deportation efforts
Mr Ablakwa informed Parliament about efforts to streamline deportation operations. Former US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on January 29, 2025. This directed DHS to expand the migrant operations centre at Guantanamo Bay.
“This expansion will facilitate the temporary housing of up to 30,000 undocumented immigrants. Following this directive, 178 Venezuelan migrants were transferred to the facility. They were then deported to Honduras. From there, they were repatriated to Venezuela. As of now, no Ghanaian nationals are reportedly detained at this facility,” he said.
He further explained that the US government had established agreements with Panama and Costa Rica. These agreements temporarily detain deportees in these countries before their repatriation.
Migrants deported from the US are held in detention camps in Panama. Others are held in Costa Rica. This is part of the deportation process. Reports from detainees in Panama have raised concerns over harsh living conditions, limited freedoms, and restricted access to legal assistance.
“Third-party countries are involved in the deportation process. This involvement reflects a broader US strategy to manage its deportation efforts. It also aims to control migration flows,” he noted.
Government’s response and reintegration efforts
Mr Ablakwa announced strategies to address the potential deportation of more Ghanaian nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had begun engaging stakeholders. They aim to develop reintegration plans.
“A key step in this process was the Stakeholders Meeting held on February 17, 2025,” he said. He explained that the meeting aimed to assess vulnerabilities within the Ghanaian migrant community. It also aimed to establish necessary support mechanisms.
He stated that one of the key outcomes was identifying the resources needed to assist deported nationals. This includes providing transportation to their final destinations. It also involves giving them access to reintegration programs.
Mr Ablakwa assured Parliament that the Ministry would continue to work closely with local organisations. They will also collaborate with international partners. This collaboration aims to ensure the well-being of deported Ghanaians upon their return.
