Ghana Receives Deportees Under New US Agreement
President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that Ghana receives deportees from the United States. This group arrived under a new bilateral agreement. He spoke at the Presidential Media Encounter at Jubilee House on Wednesday. The President revealed that 14 individuals were part of the initial group. Most of them were Nigerian nationals. One Gambian national was also included. This event marks a new chapter in Ghana’s foreign relations.
“We were approached by the US to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the US,” President Mahama explained. “Then we agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable.” He said this is because all West Africans do not need a visa to come to Ghana. “If they decided to travel from the US to Accra, they don’t need a visa anyway,” he added. “So if you are bringing our colleagues back, that’s okay.”
The President explained how Ghana facilitates their journey home. Ghana provided bus transportation for the Nigerian deportees. The bus took them to their home country. However, the Gambian national required additional coordination. They worked with the Gambian Embassy. The embassy secured an air ticket for repatriation. President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s participation in this arrangement aligns with the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement. This protocol permits citizens of member states to enter other countries without a visa for up to 90 days. He stated, “Any West African is free to come to Ghana and be able to stay for 90 days.” Therefore, Ghana receives deportees without any problem. This action supports the principles of regional integration and cooperation.
Source: Citi Newsroom
