President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the country’s agreement with the United States on the deportation of West African migrants does not in any way undermine Ghana’s sovereignty, security, or stability.
Speaking during an engagement on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, Mahama emphasized that the arrangement was reached with Ghana’s national interest in mind. He noted that while Ghana has agreed to facilitate the reception of certain West African nationals deported from the U.S., strict measures are in place to ensure that only those without criminal backgrounds are considered.
The President dismissed suggestions that the country was becoming a “dumping ground” for deportees, stressing that Ghana will not accept individuals who pose security threats or have been convicted of crimes abroad. According to him, all persons arriving under the arrangement will be carefully screened, and those who do not qualify will not be admitted.
Earlier in September, Reuters reported that Ghana had accepted an initial group of 14 West African nationals deported under the deal. The development sparked public debate and a legal challenge by a Ghanaian lawyer on behalf of 11 deportees, who argued that sending them back to their home countries could expose them to persecution or inhumane treatment.
The case has also drawn international attention. A U.S. judge, Tanya Chutkan, recently criticized the U.S. administration’s handling of deportations to Ghana, though she ruled that her court lacked jurisdiction over Ghana’s decisions.
Mahama reiterated that his government will continue to safeguard Ghana’s sovereignty while upholding international obligations. He assured that the country’s stability remains intact and called on the public to disregard claims that the deal compromises national security.
