Accra, 16 September 2025 – Ghana’s government has defended its decision to accept a group of West African migrants deported from the United States, saying the move was guided by humanitarian principles and regional solidarity.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that Ghana agreed to host the deportees because they were fellow West Africans and some neighbouring countries had rejected the request.
“We just could not continue to take the suffering of our fellow West Africans,” Ablakwa said. “Since there was a vacuum in West Africa, we thought we should step in as part of our Pan-African credentials to take care of them.”
Legal and human rights concerns
The deportation has sparked debate among legal experts and rights groups. U.S. court documents revealed that while 14 migrants were flown to Ghana, some lawyers argued that at least four remain in the country and have not yet been repatriated to their original homelands. This contradicts official assurances that all had been relocated.
Critics say transferring migrants to a third country raises legal and humanitarian issues. A U.S. judge recently questioned aspects of the deportation process, though courts acknowledged limited authority to intervene once transfers occurred outside U.S. jurisdiction.
Pan-African solidarity or burden?
Ghana has stressed that it did not receive compensation for accepting the deportees. Officials insist the decision reflects Accra’s Pan-African commitments under ECOWAS, which promotes free movement and regional cooperation.
Still, the move has drawn domestic criticism. Some argue that Ghana lacks the resources to host non-nationals under such arrangements, while others see the government’s action as an important signal of solidarity within West Africa.
What’s next?
The fate of the deportees who remain in Ghana is still unclear. Human rights groups are calling for greater transparency and legal protections, while Ghanaian authorities say they are engaging regional partners to find sustainable solutions.
Sources & Further Reading
BBC News Africa – “Ghana defends decision to receive deportees on humanitarian grounds”.
AP News – “Ghana accepts 14 West African migrants deported from U.S.”
Reuters – “U.S. judge questions deportation of West African migrants to Ghana”
