Ghana prepares for deportation of 188 nationals amid U.S. immigration crackdown

The Government of Ghana has officially announced that 188 Ghanaian nationals are slated for deportation from the United States as part of a renewed immigration enforcement initiative launched under President Donald Trump.

This development comes amidst growing scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies and their impact on various countries.

During a press conference held in Accra on June 26, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that U.S. authorities had formally informed Ghanaian officials about the deportation list.

He emphasised Ghana’s commitment to collaborating with U.S. agencies to ensure that the repatriation process is handled with dignity and respect.

“We have so far been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on President Trump’s deportation list,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. “Our embassies in New York and Washington are cooperating with U.S. counterparts, and travel certificates are being promptly issued.”

In his remarks, he assured the public that Ghana is prepared to welcome the deportees back home with respect. The government has initiated a comprehensive reintegration program in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service to aid in this process.

“We will be at the airport to welcome our compatriots and ensure they are properly integrated,” he noted. “This will be done discreetly to protect their dignity, especially since many are returning under distressing circumstances—some without personal belongings or savings.”

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The announcement coincides with reports from The Washington Post, indicating that the Trump administration is contemplating expanding visa and travel restrictions to include as many as 36 countries—a notable increase from the 19 nations affected during the president’s initial term.

Although Ghana has not been explicitly named in any expanded ban, Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the government is remaining vigilant.

“We’ve had very productive meetings with the U.S. State Department and White House officials. Ghana’s long-standing and strategic ties with the United States will count for something,” he asserted.

He reiterated that Ghana has consistently shown goodwill in adhering to U.S. immigration laws and expects equitable treatment in return. “We are confident Ghana will not be treated like countries facing serious national security red flags. Our cooperation has been consistent, and we remain a responsible partner,” Mr. Ablakwa affirmed.

Providing additional context, he revealed that 56 of the 188 individuals listed have already been returned to Ghana, with the remaining cases at various processing stages. While acknowledging the rights of the U.S. government to enforce its immigration laws, he called for a humane approach that respects the rights and dignity of those being deported.

In a related matter, the Minister highlighted a recent collaboration between Ghana and the United States that led to the arrest and extradition of suspects involved in a $100 million fraud case. “This level of cooperation underlines the maturity of our bilateral relationship,” he remarked.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to engage diplomatically to ensure that actions taken by U.S. authorities adhere to international human rights standards. As Ghana navigates this complex situation, the government remains focused on the welfare and rights of its citizens.

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