Ghana Confirms 14 People Deported from US Sent to Nigeria, Gambia
- Fourteen West Africans deported from the United States to Ghana have sparked legal and diplomatic controversy over their repatriation
- Ghana’s government insists the move was driven by humanitarian concerns, rejecting any financial incentive or political alignment
- Lawyers for the deportees dispute official claims, warning that some individuals remain stranded and at risk
A group of 14 West Africans deported from the United States to Ghana have reportedly been sent to their respective home countries, according to a Ghanaian government spokesman.
The group, comprising 13 Nigerians and one Gambian, were said to have departed Ghana for Nigeria and Gambia.
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Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, addressed the issue at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, firmly rejecting claims that the country’s decision to accept the deportees amounted to an endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s migration policies. Ablakwa stated that Ghana’s actions were “purely on humanitarian grounds.”
“We should rather be seen as a country that wants to look out for its fellow Africans, that is why we made it clear to the Americans that we will not accept $1,” Ablakwa said, emphasising that Ghana did not receive any financial compensation from the United States in connection with the deportations.
Nigeria unaware of deportation route
Nigeria’s government expressed concern over the deportation process, stating it had not been briefed about its nationals being sent to Ghana.
Officials noted that in previous instances, Nigerians had been deported directly from the US to Nigeria, raising questions about the legality and transparency of the current procedure.
Legal concerns over deportation to Ghana
Lawyers representing four of the deported men contradicted the Ghanaian government’s claim that all 14 individuals had been returned to their home countries. In a court filing on Monday, the legal team stated that the men remained in Ghana and had not yet been repatriated.
They warned that some of the deportees could face persecution or torture if returned to their countries of origin.
"We believe that the plaintiff's deportations to Ghana did not comply with principles of due process. These people were not told where they were going to be taken," said Samantha Hamilton, attorney for the deported migrants.
The legal challenge has cast doubt on the official narrative and highlighted broader concerns about the Trump administration’s fast-paced immigration enforcement. Lawyers argued that the rapid execution of deportation orders has compromised the legal rights and safety of migrants.
Gambia silent amid deportation dispute
While Ghana and Nigeria have publicly addressed the situation, authorities in Gambia have not responded to requests for comment regarding the deportation of their national.
The case continues to draw scrutiny from legal experts and human rights advocates, who are calling for greater accountability and transparency in cross-border deportation procedures.
Trump begins deportation of Nigerians to Ghana
Legit.ng earlier reported that President John Dramani Mahama confirmed late Wednesday that Ghana had accepted a group of 14 West African nationals deported from the United States, marking the first wave of removals under President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration policy.
Among the deportees were several Nigerians and one Gambian, Mahama said, adding that Ghana had facilitated their onward return to their respective home countries. Trump deports Nigerians and Gambian as Ghana accepts West African migrants under new U.S. immigration policy.
Mahama revealed that the United States had approached Ghana with a request to accept third-party nationals as part of its broader campaign to deter illegal immigration. The Ghanaian government agreed to the proposal, citing regional travel protocols.
Source: Legit.ng
