156 Ghanaians Face Imminent Deportation from the U.S. – Ablakwa Reveals
The Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that 156 Ghanaians are currently facing imminent deportation from the United States.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Ablakwa refuted earlier reports suggesting that over 6,000 Ghanaians were set for deportation under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. He cited official communication from U.S. authorities, which confirmed the number to be significantly lower.
“Currently, the official communication the ministry has received from Washington indicates that 156 Ghanaians, not 6,200, are facing imminent deportation,” he clarified.
He further revealed that about 40 of the affected individuals have been identified for expedited removal, underscoring the seriousness of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Since President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 3,500 unauthorized immigrants across the country. Deportation flights have already commenced, with U.S. military aircraft being used to transport migrants to their home countries or third nations.
Ablakwa emphasized the need for Ghana’s diplomatic missions to provide crucial support to affected citizens, stressing the importance of a strategic response to the situation.
“As a country, we must ensure that our missions abroad extend consular services to these individuals. They are our compatriots, and we must be concerned about their welfare,” he stated.
He also advocated for legal assistance and the establishment of a dedicated consular fund to support Ghanaians facing deportation.
“If legal support is needed, that’s why I have proposed a consular fund. We need to urgently finance this fund, and I am pleased that the Minister of Finance is here. As we work on the 2025 budget, I will strongly appeal for its approval so that, for the first time, we can have a dedicated consular fund to provide legal and consular assistance.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, Ablakwa assured that Ghana would not abandon its nationals.
“We must ensure that those with valid claims to remain in the U.S. are given the necessary support. For those who must return, we will ensure their reintegration is handled humanely and with dignity. The government of Ghana cares about their plight and will extend consular assistance as needed,” he assured.
The situation highlights the growing challenges of immigration enforcement in the U.S. and the importance of diplomatic efforts in safeguarding the rights and welfare of Ghanaians abroad.