Ghana became an entry point for West African nationals deported from the United States, according to a statement made by then-President John Dramani Mahama. The deportations were part of the Donald Trump administration’s broader immigration policies.
Speaking in Accra, President Mahama confirmed that a total of 14 deportees, including several Nigerians and one Gambian, had arrived in Ghana. He stated that Ghana had reached an agreement with Washington to accept West African nationals deported from the US, citing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement as a facilitating factor.
The Ghanaian leader specified that the Nigerian deportees were transported to their home country by bus, while assistance was still being provided for the Gambian national.
Despite the agreement on deportations, President Mahama described relations with the United States as “tightening,” referencing rising tariffs on Ghanaian goods and visa restrictions imposed on its citizens. He maintained that overall ties “remained positive” but acknowledged the bilateral strain.
The Trump administration’s policy of deporting migrants to “third countries” has faced criticism from human rights groups, who have condemned the practice as a violation of fundamental rights. Similar agreements led to deportations to Eswatini, South Sudan, and Rwanda, with the latter signing a deal to accept up to 250 migrants.
