Ghana has received the first group of West African nationals deported from the United States under a new bilateral agreement, according to President John Mahama.
Speaking at a media encounter at Jubilee House, the President confirmed that the initial group consisted of 14 individuals, primarily from Nigeria, along with one Gambian national. President Mahama explained that the U.S. had approached Ghana to accept “third-party nationals,” and Ghana agreed to the arrangement for West African citizens due to the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement.
This protocol allows citizens of member states to enter and reside in other West African countries for up to 90 days without a visa.
President Mahama detailed the process for repatriating the deportees, stating that Ghana provided bus transportation for the Nigerian nationals to return to their home country. The single Gambian national, however, required additional logistical support.
The Gambian Embassy was contacted, and coordination was necessary to secure an air ticket for the individual’s repatriation. The President emphasized that Ghana’s participation in the deportation process is fully aligned with the principles of the ECOWAS Protocol, which facilitates the movement of people across the region.
The President’s remarks underscored the cooperative nature of the agreement with the United States. He reiterated that Ghana does not have a problem accepting fellow West Africans, as their entry and stay in the country are already permitted under the ECOWAS free movement regulations.
The arival of these individuals marks the beginning of a new phase of collaboration on immigration matters between the U.S. and Ghana.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
