Accra: Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister, has clarified Ghana's decision to accept West African deportees from the United States (US), stating that it was grounded purely on humanitarian principle and Pan-African solidarity. 'It is important to stress and to state unequivocally that Ghana has not received and does not seek any financial compensation or material benefit in relation to this understanding,' Mr. Ablakwa stated on Monday, during the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana's decision to accept deportees should not be seen as transactional. He likened Ghana's stance to that of Rwanda, Eswatini, Uganda, and South Sudan, who have also welcomed fellow Africans, underscoring that it should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the immigration policies of the Trump administration. He highlighted Ghana's historical role in hosting freedom fighters and offering refuge and resources to Africans in the diaspora, reinforcing Ghana's commitment to Pan-Africanism.
Mr. Ablakwa mentioned that during President John Dramani Mahama's first media engagement on 10 September, he confirmed that Ghana had accepted West African nationals deported from the US. The President disclosed that the US Government had approached Ghana with a request to receive some individuals, and his administration agreed, provided they were nationals of West African countries. The first batch of 14 people had already arrived in Accra, among whom were nationals of Nigeria and The Gambia, who were assisted in returning to their respective countries.
The decision to accept these deportees was based on Ghana's long-standing Pan-African ideals and commitment to regional solidarity. Mr. Ablakwa noted that many of these individuals were in detention, facing psychological and physical distress, and were at risk of being sent to unsafe countries lacking stability and human rights credentials. He stressed that President Trump's positive verdict from the US Supreme Court meant that these individuals could be removed and sent elsewhere.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized Ghana's action was guided by moral responsibility, legal obligations under the 1992 constitution and ECOWAS protocols, and its historic leadership in championing African rights. He assured that Ghana must first independently vet the background of those intended for deportation to ensure they do not pose a threat to national security. Strict safeguards are in place to prevent hardened criminals from entering the country.
The Minister underscored that the Mahama Administration prioritizes the safety and well-being of Ghanaians. The understanding with the US was thoroughly discussed by the Cabinet and received the Attorney-General's advice. While memoranda of understanding (MoUs) are not typically sent to Parliament for ratification, Mr. Ablakwa assured that if elevated into a full agreement, it would be submitted for parliamentary ratification as per article 75 of the 1992 constitution.
Mr. Ablakwa concluded by affirming President Mahama's commitment to transparency and accountability, with full disclosure at his media encounter, stating that there is nothing to hide regarding this matter.
