On September 10, 2025, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced that Ghana has begun accepting West African nationals deported from the United States.
Speaking at a press conference, he confirmed that 14 deportees, including Nigerians and one Gambian, have arrived in Ghana. The government facilitated their return to their home countries.
US Immigration Policy Shift
US President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, targeting third countries for removals. Ghana’s decision aligns with this policy, as Mahama noted that West Africans can enter Ghana without visas due to regional agreements.
Why Ghana Agreed
Mahama explained the rationale: “The US approached us to accept third-party nationals. We agreed to take West Africans because they don’t need visas to enter Ghana.”
He did not specify a limit on the number of deportees Ghana would accept.
Broader Context
The US has engaged several African nations to accept deportees as part of its immigration crackdown. In July, the US deported five individuals to Eswatini and eight to South Sudan.
In August, Rwanda agreed to receive up to 250 migrants after signing a deal with the US. On July 9, Trump met five West African leaders to push for such arrangements, though Mahama did not attend.
Concerns Over Safety
Some deportees have raised safety concerns about being sent to third countries where they have no ties. Ghana’s role as a transit hub aims to address this by facilitating returns to their home nations.
Why It Matters
Ghana’s decision highlights the global impact of US immigration policies. It also underscores regional cooperation in West Africa, where visa-free travel eases the process.
However, the policy raises questions about the safety and integration of deportees in transit countries.
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