In response to the deportation of Ghanaians from the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put in place comprehensive measures to assist affected nationals, as fears mount within the Ghanaian community over the Trump administration’s tightened immigration policies.
Addressing the floor of Parliament today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the ministry has intensified its engagement with US authorities and key stakeholders in Ghana in light of the ongoing mass deportations of undocumented migrants, including Ghanaians.
These actions stem from significant changes in US immigration policies under the Trump administration, which have led to an uptick in deportations, even among individuals without criminal records or valid visas.
According to the minister, as of February 2025, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported the deportation of 37,660 individuals in January alone.
While no Ghanaians were part of this figure, 94 Ghanaians were deported in 2024.
Reports suggest heightened fears and anxiety within the Ghanaian diaspora, as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement, including the expansion of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility for migrant housing.
Hon. Ablakwa also shed light on the ministry’s proactive steps to mitigate the negative impact of these deportations on Ghanaians. “Our priority is to ensure that all deportation processes are handled with dignity and respect for human rights,” he emphasized, adding, “We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to guarantee the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has held critical discussions, including a February 2025 meeting with the US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia E. Palmer. “We expressed our concerns about the inhumane conditions some of our nationals have been subjected to in the past, such as being deported in chains,” Hon. Ablakwa revealed. “The US authorities have given us assurances that they are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not recur.”
As of now, 150 Ghanaians are detained in various US detention centers, with 50 having received final deportation orders. Deportation for these individuals is scheduled for mid-2025.
The remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed.
In anticipation of further deportations, the Ministry has initiated key preparations, including stakeholder meetings with agencies such as the Ghana Immigration Service, National Security Secretariat, and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). The goal is to create a robust reintegration program that includes health screenings, psychological support, skills training, and micro-financing opportunities for deportees.
The government has allocated $2 million to operationalize the consular fund, aimed at providing immediate assistance to those affected. “We will ensure that all our nationals are well taken care of upon their return,” Hon. Ablakwa assured Parliament. “Our mission is to ensure that the reintegration process is as smooth and supportive as possible.”
The Ministry’s efforts also include the Ghana embassy in Washington collaborating with the Ghanaian immigration in the USA to organizing virtual town hall meetings which offers legal guidance and support for nationals facing immigration challenges.
Upon the issuance of their final removal orders , the individuals names will be forwarded to the ministry for further processing.
The minister concluded his submission by reiterating that the Ghanaian government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting deported nationals through every step of the process whiles urging Parliamentarians to approve the budget allocated to the ministry to aid them fast track their operation.
“This is a time of uncertainty, but we are united in ensuring that every Ghanaian affected by this situation is supported and reintegrated with dignity,” Hon. Ablakwa affirmed.
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