Faith Nyasuguta
Ghana has formally agreed to accept West African nationals deported from the United States, with 14 migrants already arriving in the country, President John Dramani Mahama announced this week. The group includes several Nigerians and one Gambian, who were flown to Accra after their removal from the U.S. Ghana is acting as a transit point before facilitating their return to their own countries.
Mahama explained that the deal aligns with regional norms since West African citizens travel visa-free to Ghana. He emphasized that Ghana was approached by the U.S. to accept “third-party” nationals being removed and that the country consented under the understanding that only West Africans would be involved, easing the logistical and legal burdens of the arrangement.
Although Ghana has welcomed its first group, Mahama did not set a limit on future numbers. The government clarified its role is not that of a long-term host but rather a transit gateway, helping the deportees move on to their final destinations within West Africa.
The move places Ghana among several African nations that have already accepted similar arrangements under the U.S. push for stricter immigration enforcement. Countries like Rwanda, South Sudan, and Eswatini have also signed agreements to receive deportees from the U.S. in recent months.
While sensitive, the decision has sparked debate. Some migrant rights advocates and civil society organizations warn that deportees sent to third countries or transit points often face uncertainty regarding their legal protections, safety, and welfare. Ghanaian officials have not yet disclosed whether any of the 14 deportees have criminal records.
Mahama defended the arrangement by invoking both international requests from the U.S. and existing regional agreements that make movement among West African nations simpler, especially for citizens traveling without visas. He stressed Ghana’s commitment to assisting in compliance with U.S. pressure while maintaining respect for regional law and human rights.
This development comes amid broader U.S. efforts under President Donald Trump’s immigration policy to bolster removals of undocumented immigrants and those who have overstayed visas by using “third countries” to process deportations. The policy has expanded in recent months with multiple agreements in Africa.
As this situation unfolds, observers will be watching closely how Ghana balances its role as a transit hub with meeting obligations to ensure humane treatment for deportees, the legal clarity of their status, and whether this deal marks a shift in regional cooperation on migration under U.S. diplomatic pressure.
RELATED:
