The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it is working with other agencies to ensure the safe return, reintegration, and reunification of 160 Ghanaians facing deportation from the United States of America (USA).
The Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stressed it is imperative for the affected individuals not to be exposed to media publicity on their return to the country, rather a respect for their dignity and human rights.
“The deportations are going on. We decided on humanitarian and human rights grounds not to publicise the deportation so that when they arrive our team welcomes them and helps them with integration and returning to their families,” he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting returnees and helping them to reintegrate into society.
“We are working with other partners like NADMO, IOM and Ministry of Interior and doing all of that quietly because it is important that we respect the dignity of our fellow compatriots and not to subject them to media coverage and publicity that will injure their reputation and ability to integrate, fine work and get their lives back ,” he added.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed this at a media briefing on Thursday, April 17 in preparation for the launch of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 50th Anniversary in Accra on Tuesday, April 22.
As part of the Golden Jubilee launch, Ghana will host an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of ECOWAS on April 22 to 23.
160 Ghanaians are facing deportation from the US amidst an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants who have also been listed for deportation.
This development aligns with heightened immigration enforcement in the US with over 3,500 undocumented immigrants arrested since President Donald Trump assumed office.
