The United States sent 14 more West Africans to Ghana, raising the total to 42 under a contested deal. A migrant rights group has now sued Ghana’s government, claiming the agreement breaks laws and risks harm to deportees.
What Happened with the Deportations
On Monday, 14 West Africans arrived in Ghana, according to Democracy Hub, a migrant advocacy group. They filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, saying the deal with the US is illegal.
It lacks approval from Ghana’s parliament and may violate global rules against sending people to unsafe places. Ghana’s government says its legal team will defend the arrangement in court but shared no further details.
Why the US Is Deporting
The Trump administration has stepped up efforts to deport undocumented migrants, especially those with criminal records or from countries that resist taking them back.
Since July, the US has made deals with five African nations, including Ghana, for these third-country transfers. These agreements often lack clear details, raising concerns among activists.
Issues with the Program
Human rights groups criticize the lack of transparency. They say deportees are sent to countries they don’t know, risking unfair treatment.
Sometimes, people are sent to third countries even when their home nations would take them. This has sparked debates about justice and safety for migrants.
Earlier Deportations and Problems
Last month, 14 West Africans were sent to Ghana. Local officials said they were moved to countries like Nigeria, Togo, and Mali.
But lawyers reported 11 were held in a military camp near Accra in poor conditions. Ten of those were later sent to Togo, though only two are Togolese.
The US began this program in July, sending five people to Eswatini for serious crimes like murder. More deportations followed to South Sudan, Rwanda, and Ghana.
An agreement exists with Uganda, but no transfers have happened yet. Six people are detained in South Sudan, and seven are held in Rwanda, with their locations undisclosed.
Why This Matters
The program raises fears that deportees face danger in unfamiliar places without proper support. The lawsuit in Ghana could affect similar deals elsewhere. It highlights the clash between strict immigration policies and protecting human rights.
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