Ghana Firmly Rejects US Deportation of Abrego Garcia
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister firmly rejects US attempt to deport Salvadoran national Abrego Garcia, emphasizing the nation's sovereign immigration policies and bilateral agreements.
Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa addressing immigration policy concerns
Ghana Takes Strong Stance on Immigration Policy
In a decisive statement, Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly rejected the United States' attempt to deport Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Ghana, highlighting the nation's commitment to transparent governance and policy implementation.
Clear Communication with US Authorities
Minister Ablakwa's statement comes in response to US media reports suggesting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) planned to deport Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member, to Ghana on October 10, 2025. The minister emphasized that Ghana has directly and unambiguously communicated its position to US authorities.
"Ghana is not accepting Abrego Garcia. He cannot be deported to Ghana. This has been directly and unambiguously conveyed to US authorities," stated Ablakwa in a Facebook post.
Ghana's Immigration Policy Framework
The situation highlights Ghana's evolving relationship with international partners and its selective approach to immigration matters. While Ghana maintains agreements to accept limited numbers of non-criminal West African deportees based on African solidarity, the government has drawn clear boundaries regarding these arrangements.
Complex Legal Background
Garcia's case has garnered significant attention due to its complex nature. Previously deported to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison despite a 2019 court order protecting him from such action, Garcia was later returned to the US to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee. His situation exemplifies the challenges in maintaining balanced international relations while upholding national sovereignty.
Current Status and Next Steps
An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for October 10, where government witnesses are expected to testify about efforts to remove Garcia to Eswatini or other locations. Meanwhile, Ghana continues to process legitimate deportations under existing bilateral agreements, with President Mahama confirming the arrival of 14 deportees under established protocols.
Edwin Gyimah
Ghanaian journalist, covering African affairs for the past 10 years.