Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed the inclusion of some 188 nationals in the latest deportation list of the U.S. as part of President Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown.
Sector Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said that government has officially been notified of the development and is working closely with U.S. authorities to ensure the human rights of these persons are respected amid the deportation.
At a press conference Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Minister said “we have so far been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on President Trump’s deportation list. Our embassies in New York and Washington are cooperating with U.S. counterparts, and travel certificates are being promptly issued.”
Mr. Ablakwa assured that the affected persons will be welcomed home discreetly with dignity. In collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service, he added that a reintegration programme has been activated to ensure they are properly supported, particularly those returning without their properties and savings.
“We will be at the airport to welcome our compatriots and ensure they are properly integrated. This will be done discreetly to protect their dignity, especially since many are returning under distressing circumstances—some without personal belongings or savings,” he noted.
This follows a Washington Post report that the U.S. government plans to expand travel restrictions to 36 countries, up from the initial 19 affected during President Trump’s first term.
Although Ghana has been officially named among the 36 countries, Minister Ablakwa stated that “the government is not taking any chances.”
“We’ve had very productive meetings with the U.S. State Department and White House officials. Ghana’s long-standing and strategic ties with the United States will count for something,” he assured.
He expressed optimism from the interactions, stressing on the country’s longstanding goodwill with the United States over the years.
“We are confident Ghana will not be treated like countries facing serious national security red flags. Our cooperation has been consistent, and we remain a responsible partner,” he indicated.
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