50 Ghanaians face deportation from the US by mid-year – Foreign Minister

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that 50 out of 150 Ghanaians currently in detention in the United States have received final deportation orders and are expected to return to Ghana by mid-year.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that three Ghanaians have already been processed for deportation and are scheduled to leave the US on commercial flights between March 19 and April 1, 2025.

“Updates from the Washington mission indicate as follows: Currently, there are 150 Ghanaians in detention across various centres in the US who are awaiting deportation for crimes such as rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry,” he stated.

He further explained that out of the 150 detainees, 50 individuals have received final deportation orders and will be deported by mid-year, while the remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed.

The Minister also highlighted efforts by the Ghanaian government to intervene in some cases, noting that one Ghanaian detainee was granted release on medical grounds following diplomatic representations.

“Representations have been made to US authorities on behalf of one Ghanaian on grounds of ill health, and he has been released to seek medical care,” Mr Ablakwa disclosed.

Additionally, ten Ghanaians have undergone interviews by the Ghanaian Embassy to verify their nationality and ensure they have received fair hearings.

The Foreign Minister assured Parliament that his ministry is closely monitoring the situation and engaging US authorities to ensure that the rights of affected Ghanaians are protected throughout the deportation process.