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

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has disclosed that 50 out of 150 Ghanaians are currently in a state of confinement in the United States who have been issued final deportation order and are expected to be returned to their country of origin, Ghana by mid-year.

Presenting statement to Parliament on Thursday , March 13, 2025, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that deportation proceedings have been completed for three Ghanaian nationals and are set to leave the US on commercial flights between March 19 and April 1, 2025.

Mr Ablakwa stated that “National news from Washington mission show the following: Currently, 150 Ghanaians nationals are in detention facilities across the United States who are subject to deportation for crimes such as rape, illegal entry and internet fraud .”

He gave more insight 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 pending further review or dismissed.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs also pointed out significant efforts by the Ghanaian government to take action in certain situations, noting that one Ghanaian detainee was granted release on medical grounds following diplomatic representations.

“Representation were submitted to authorities of the United States because of the poor health of one Ghanaian, and he has been released to seek medical care,” Mr Ablakwa expressed.

Ten Ghanaians have participated in in-depth interviews by the Ghanaian Embassy to confirm their nationality and see to it they receive fair hearings. The Foreign Minister gave  confidence to Parliament that the ministry he leads is keeping a close eye on the situation and working with US officials to ensure that the rights of affected Ghanaians are protected throughout the deportation process.