Ghana won’t become dumping ground for deportees – Ablakwa

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Ghanaians that the country will not become a dumping ground for removals from the United States or elsewhere.

Mr. Ablakwa, who also serves as Member of Parliament for North Tongu, dismissed speculation that ongoing negotiations with Washington focus on removals.

He described claims of secret deals as “conspiracy theories” and urged the public to remain calm.

“Ghana will not be a dumping ground for US removals, and we are not accepting criminals from the US,” Mr. Ablakwa declared on X late Sunday. “We want to offer full assurances to the people of Ghana.”

He clarified that the arrangement under discussion involves only a limited number of West African nationals.

“These individuals are pre-vetted, without criminal backgrounds, and their acceptance is consistent with ECOWAS protocols and our Pan-African credentials,” he explained.

He also noted that citizens of West African states already enjoy visa-free access to Ghana under existing regional agreements.

The Foreign Minister stressed that Ghana’s internal stability is not at risk. “Our mutually beneficial deal with the US government will not undermine Ghana’s security and stability in any way,” he said.

He further explained that the negotiations extend beyond immigration.

“The discussions I am leading on President Mahama’s instruction include a strong case for a reassessment of the 15% tariff imposed on Ghana,” he revealed. “We are also negotiating a special Ghana-US trade deal, engaging on specific requests from US companies, and holding fruitful talks on the future of AGOA, which is of immense importance to Ghanaian garment companies.”

Mr. Ablakwa reiterated the Mahama administration’s commitment to the national interest, insisting that the country’s sovereignty would never be compromised.

“President Mahama and his team deeply care for you,” he said. “We shall keep working tirelessly to protect Ghana’s strategic interests and ensure our best efforts benefit all Ghanaians.”

The Foreign Minister sought to counter misinformation by highlighting the broader benefits of Ghana’s engagement with the United States.