In a recent development, 14 West African nationals were deported from the United States to Ghana, bringing the total number of deportees under a bilateral agreement to 42. The deportation, which occurred on Monday, has sparked significant controversy and legal action. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a lawyer representing migrants, revealed that his organization, Democracy Hub, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Ghanaian government. The lawsuit alleges that the deportation agreement with the U.S. is unconstitutional, as it was not approved by Ghana’s parliament, and may violate international conventions protecting individuals from being sent to countries where they could face persecution. Government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the attorney general would defend the arrangement in court but offered no further comments. This deportation program is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration, particularly targeting individuals with criminal records who are difficult to deport to their home countries. Since July, dozens of deportees have been sent to various African nations, including Ghana, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Eswatini, under largely secretive agreements. Critics argue that the program lacks transparency and often sends individuals to countries where they have no ties, potentially denying them due process. Earlier deportations to Ghana saw migrants held in poor conditions at a military camp near Accra, with many later sent to other West African countries. The situation has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who argue that the program undermines international protections for migrants.
Ghana rights group files lawsuit against government’s acceptance of US deportees
