The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana will receive an additional 40 West African deportees from the United States in the coming days. This decision is based on a humanitarian principle and Pan-African solidarity, according to Mr. Ablakwa.
Ghana had previously accepted 14 West African nationals deported from the US, including Nigerians and a Gambian, who have since been sent to their home countries. The government facilitated their return, citing the ECOWAS protocol on free movement, which allows West Africans to travel to Ghana without a visa.
Background of the Agreement
The agreement between Ghana and the US has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it lacks transparency and may undermine human rights. However, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana’s decision is not an endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s immigration policy, but rather a demonstration of the country’s commitment to humanitarian principles and Pan-Africanism.
Safeguards in Place
The Ghanaian government has assured that strict safeguards are in place to ensure that convicted hardened criminals are not brought into the country under this arrangement. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the government would independently vet the background of the deportees to satisfy themselves that they do not pose any threat to the security of the country or cause harm to citizens.
Reactions and Concerns
Some opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about the agreement, calling for it to be suspended and submitted to parliament for ratification. However, Mr. Ablakwa explained that the agreement is a memorandum of understanding that does not require parliamentary approval, but would be submitted to parliament if elevated to a full-blown agreement.