President John Dramani Mahama has strongly dismissed claims that Ghana is being used as a destination for mass deportations from the United States, particularly involving individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Addressing concerns during the swearing-in of newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Accra on Wednesday, October 1, he assured citizens that no agreement with the U.S. compromises the nation’s sovereignty or security. “Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,” he declared.
His remarks follow public debate triggered by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s confirmation that another 40 deportees from the U.S. were expected to arrive soon, after an earlier batch of 14 was received without parliamentary approval.
While the Minority in Parliament criticised the transparency of the arrangement, government insists that the process is guided by an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that does not require ratification. President Mahama reiterated that all arrivals are “carefully vetted and aligned with ECOWAS protocols” before entry is granted.
Framing the agreement as both humanitarian and strategic, the President said Ghana’s actions reflect its Pan-African values while maintaining strict screening procedures to safeguard national dignity.
He further charged the newly sworn-in diplomats to actively defend the country’s image abroad, urging them to project Ghana as “a stable democracy with a proven record of peaceful transitions” and a nation committed to economic empowerment and international credibility.
