Ghana not paid to accept US deportees — Foreign Affairs Minister
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has refuted claims that Ghana is benefiting financially or materially from its agreement with the United States to accept some West African deportees.
Addressing the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House on Monday, 15 September, Mr Ablakwa stressed that the arrangement was not driven by profit but by humanitarian considerations.
“It is important to state that Ghana has not received any money, compensation, or material benefit in relation to this understanding. Our decision is grounded purely on humanitarian grounds and principle,” he stated.
The Minister’s remarks come amid growing public criticism following revelations that Nigerian and Gambian nationals had been deported to Ghana under the U.S. deal.
Some members of the public have accused the government of undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Mr Ablakwa, however, maintained that the agreement was carefully managed and fully aligned with international humanitarian standards.
He assured citizens that the government remains committed to safeguarding the safety and dignity of Ghanaians while upholding the nation’s obligations to the international community.
Earlier in September 2025, President John Dramani Mahama publicly confirmed that Ghana had entered into an agreement with the United States to accept West African nationals being deported from the U.S. under its ‘third-country’ deportation policy.
According to reports, the first batch involved 14 deportees, mostly Nigerians and one Gambian.
Ghana accepted these individuals under the rationale that as fellow West Africans, they do not require visas to enter Ghana.
