Ghana’s decision to accept US deportees based on hospitality – Vanderpuye

The National Coordinator for the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, says the government’s decision to accept deportees from the United States was guided by Ghana’s values of hospitality.

He stressed that the move was not influenced by any foreign pressure.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Mr. Vanderpuye addressed public debate surrounding the arrival of 14 deportees, with the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirming that about 40 more are expected.

The Minority in Parliament has demanded an immediate suspension of the arrangement, arguing that the government acted unlawfully by implementing it without parliamentary approval. They cited a Supreme Court ruling which requires all international agreements—including treaties, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and diplomatic notes—to be ratified by Parliament before taking legal effect.

In response, Mr. Vanderpuye said the decision was driven by humanitarian considerations. “A lot of our folks prefer to stay over there, even if it’s in the American prisons. They are displeased and angered against us for having received them. It is understandable, but we are also looking at the human factor. Would you allow your fellow human being to be dumped in Guantánamo Bay to be treated unjustly in an inhuman manner, or would you want to open your gates to them?” he asked.

Drawing from his cultural background, he explained that hospitality guided the government’s approach. “As a person and from a Ga descent, I have been brought up to receive people no matter the situation. Once someone knocks on your door, you warmly receive the person and get them some water to drink as custom demands. I think that is what has informed the government and the minister in handling this matter,” he noted.

Mr. Vanderpuye also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of migration. He said Ghana must work toward self-reliance and implement policies that create stability and opportunity at home, reducing the need for citizens to seek greener pastures abroad.