General News

150 Ghanaians in US Detention Centers Await Deportation

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Foreign Minister Samuel OKUDZETO Ablakwa and the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer

Today, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa provided Parliament with an update on the status of Ghanaians detained in centers across the United States. The report reveals that 150 Ghanaians are currently being held, awaiting deportation for offenses including rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry.

All detainees are being held in accordance with due process. Of the 150 individuals, 50 have received final deportation orders from the courts, with their deportation expected by mid-2025. The remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed.

In a humanitarian gesture, US authorities were approached on behalf of one Ghanaian detainee, who was subsequently released to seek medical care due to ill health. Additionally, three Ghanaians have been processed for deportation and are scheduled to depart the US on commercial flights on March 19, March 28, and April 1, 2025, respectively.

To ensure fair treatment, 10 Ghanaians have been interviewed at the embassy to verify their nationalities. They are now awaiting the Department of Homeland Security to purchase their flight tickets and issue their travel documents before their deportation can be finalized.

The efforts to assist these detainees highlight the commitment to ensuring their rights are respected and their needs addressed during this challenging time.