The Government of Ghana has defended its decision to accept deported West African nationals from the United States, with President John Mahama confirming the arrival of 14 deportees of Nigerian and Gambian origin.
During his maiden press encounter, President Mahama stated that the move forms part of an agreement between Ghana and the US.
Critics have drawn parallels to a previous controversial decision by the government in January 2016, when Ghana accepted the transfer of two Yemeni ex-detainees from the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay for a period of two years. The move, known as the Gitmo 2 saga, faced widespread opposition from groups such as OccupyGhana and the then opposition New Patriotic Party, who described the deal as “secretive” and “unconstitutional.”
Despite criticism from some analysts, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana’s decision aligns with the country’s Pan-African ideals and commitment to regional solidarity.
“The Government of Ghana took the principled and humanitarian decision to accept the limited number of West African nationals deported from the United States under exceptional circumstances, in line with Ghana’s long-standing Pan-African ideals and unwavering commitment to regional solidarity,” Ablakwa said during the Government Accountability Series.
He added, “As a nation that upholds the dignity and rights of all people, particularly those of African descent, Ghana’s action was guided solely by our moral responsibility, legal obligations under the 1992 Constitution and ECOWAS protocols, and our historic leadership in championing the rights of all Africans.”
