Ghana has agreed to accept West African nationals deported from the United States; 14 individuals (including Nigerians and one Gambian) have already arrived. President John Dramani Mahama said this aligns with ECOWAS protocols that allow visa-free entry for West Africans.
This decision places Ghana in a delicate diplomatic position, balancing international pressure with regional obligations. For many West Africans, it could affect their migration strategies, legal risks, and rights. Domestically, it could raise questions around Ghana’s capacity to support returnees and the human rights implications of such agreements.
The U.S. policy under President Trump, focusing on stricter immigration enforcement, includes deporting undocumented migrants to third countries. Mahama pointed out that since West Africans don’t need visas to enter Ghana, the country is obliged under ECOWAS to facilitate their return. So far, no cap has been set on the number of returnees, and some concerns have been raised regarding the treatment and legal status of deportees in third countries.
Source: Reuters / AP News
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