Ghana has formally confirmed that it has begun receiving West African nationals deported from the United States, including Nigerians, Gambians, and other regional citizens.
The development follows an agreement between Washington and Accra, marking a significant shift in how deportations are being managed under America’s tightened immigration policies.
President John Dramani Mahama announced on Wednesday that a first batch of 14 deportees had already arrived in Accra.
According to him, Ghana’s government has taken steps to facilitate their safe return and, where necessary, assist with onward travel to their countries of origin within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“We were approached by the US to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the US, and we agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable because all our fellow West Africans don’t need a visa to come to our country,” Mahama explained.
The Ghanaian president defended the decision by stressing the principle of ECOWAS free movement, which already allows citizens of West African countries to travel and reside in member states without a visa.
By hosting deportees temporarily, Ghana positions itself as a regional hub for reintegration and coordination.
Observers note, however, that this approach is not without controversy.
Rights groups have raised concerns about the humanitarian implications of transferring deportees to countries where they do not hold citizenship, arguing that it may create legal and social challenges for host states.
While Ghana has accepted Washington’s request, Nigeria has taken a different stance.
In July, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, categorically rejected the idea of hosting deportees from outside the country.
He cited national security risks, economic strain, and sovereignty concerns as reasons for Nigeria’s refusal.
“Nigeria will only accept its citizens who are legitimately identified.
Any attempt to push third-country deportees into Nigeria undermines our sovereignty,” Tuggar said at the time.
This contrast highlights the divergent diplomatic strategies within West Africa when dealing with the United States’ immigration agenda.
The arrangement comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which has included deportations not only to countries of origin but also to so-called “third countries.”
This strategy has previously seen migrants relocated to Eswatini, South Sudan, and Rwanda, sparking international debates over human rights and safe resettlement standards.
On July 9, 2025, Trump hosted five West African leaders — from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal — at the White House.
According to reports, one of the central objectives was to secure commitments from these nations to accept deportees, including those with no direct ties to their territories.
The latest development with Ghana suggests that Washington is making progress in its negotiations, although opposition from Nigeria and rights advocates may complicate broader implementation.
Immigration analysts have warned that Ghana’s acceptance of deportees could set a precedent in West Africa, potentially pressuring other states to adopt similar agreements with the US.
While ECOWAS encourages regional cooperation, critics argue that Ghana risks becoming a dumping ground for displaced individuals.
Human rights groups have also emphasized the psychological toll on deportees, many of whom have lived in the US for years before being forced out.
Questions remain about how they will be integrated into West African societies where they may lack family ties, employment prospects, or cultural familiarity.
For Nigeria, which has one of the largest diasporas in the US, the issue is particularly sensitive. Estimates suggest that over 400,000 Nigerians reside legally in America, with thousands more undocumented.
Deportations targeting Nigerians directly have long been a contentious diplomatic issue, but the inclusion of third-country nationals raises the stakes further.
Ghana’s decision may also test the strength of ECOWAS protocols, as other member states may need to decide whether to follow suit or support Nigeria’s resistance.
The move could influence regional diplomacy, migration management, and bilateral relations with Washington.
Ghana’s Position
Despite the criticisms, President Mahama has insisted that Ghana’s approach is consistent with regional integration principles and humanitarian responsibility.
By providing a safe entry point, Ghana aims to prevent chaotic deportations that could destabilize smaller states.
“We believe in African solidarity. Our role is to ensure that those arriving are treated with dignity before reconnecting them with their home countries,” Mahama said.
As the United States intensifies its deportation policies, the role of African states in managing the fallout is likely to grow.
The divide between Ghana’s acceptance and Nigeria’s rejection underscores a complex diplomatic balancing act between maintaining ties with Washington and protecting domestic interests.
With Trump seeking to demonstrate tough immigration enforcement ahead of the 2026 elections, African countries could face renewed pressure to align with US policies — raising fresh questions about sovereignty, human rights, and the future of migration diplomacy in West Africa.