Accra, Ghana — President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that Ghana will only accept West African nationals among the migrants being deported from the United States under Washington’s latest repatriation request.
The announcement places Ghana alongside other African nations such as Rwanda, Eswatini, and South Sudan, which have already agreed to take in migrants expelled by the U.S. government.
Conditional Acceptance
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, President Mahama explained that the decision was based on regional travel policies within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“We have been approached by the United States to receive third-country nationals who are being deported,” Mahama said. “We agreed that only West African nationals will be accepted, since our fellow West Africans do not require visas to enter Ghana. Even if they traveled directly from the U.S. to Accra, they would not need a visa. So if the U.S. sends West Africans here, we are prepared to receive them.”
First Group of Deportees Arrive
According to the Ghanaian presidency, 14 deportees have already arrived in Accra. Among them are Nigerian nationals, some of whom have since opted to return home. The Gambian Embassy in Accra has also been contacted to facilitate the repatriation of another Gambian migrant.
Broader Context
The development follows a series of deportation measures initiated by the United States targeting migrants with irregular status. Ghana’s selective acceptance underscores its commitment to regional solidarity, while also setting clear limits on the scope of migrants it is willing to host.
Observers note that while Ghana’s position aligns with ECOWAS principles of free movement, it also reflects the challenges many African nations face in balancing international obligations with domestic priorities.
As the deportation program continues, more arrivals are expected, raising questions about how both Ghana and other African countries will manage the reintegration of returnees.
