Deported Africans from US welcomed on humanitarian grounds – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has emphasized that Ghana’s offer of temporary refuge is rooted in humanitarian principles, not financial gain or external pressure.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, Mr. Ablakwa stated the administration had no plans to monetize the arrangement.

“It is important to stress and to state unequivocally that Ghana has not received or does not seek any financial compensation or material benefit in relation to this understanding.”

According to him, Ghana’s decision is purely to prevent human suffering and uphold Pan-African solidarity.

“Our decision is grounded purely on humanitarian principle and Pan-African solidarity to offer temporary refuge when needed, to prevent further human suffering and to maintain our credibility as a responsible regional actor,” he explained.

Mr. Ablakwa dismissed suggestions that Ghana’s actions are linked to the immigration policies of the United States. “It is not transnational. This should not be seen as the immigration policies of the Trump administration,” he clarified.

The minister’s remarks come at a time when migration pressures are rising across West Africa due to conflicts, economic hardship, and climate change.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, Ghana’s stance seeks to reinforce its role as a responsible regional actor, balancing compassion with sovereignty.

President John Dramani Mahama’s administration launched the Government Accountability Series as part of a governance reset agenda, providing ministers a platform to explain policies and address concerns.

Mr. Ablakwa’s turn focused on Ghana’s foreign policy, migration management, and the country’s standing in the international community.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to deport dozens of non-citizens to African states that are not their countries of origin.

For example, five men convicted of serious crimes were flown to Eswatini, though they came from places like Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, and Yemen.

In July 2025, Ghana agreed to accept 14 West African migrants from the U.S., including Nigerians and a Gambian national, under this “third country” policy. Ghana then facilitated their repatriation.