The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that 50 Ghanaians currently detained in the United States are slated for deportation by mid-2025. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa provided a comprehensive update on the situation, attributing their detention to offenses such as rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry into the U.S.
“Reports from our mission in Washington indicate that 150 Ghanaians are presently detained in various facilities across the U.S. for crimes such as rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry. Of this number, 50 have received final deportation orders and are expected to return to Ghana by mid-2025,” the Minister explained.
He added that the remaining 100 cases are at various stages of appeal or have been dismissed.
“While 50 individuals are confirmed for deportation, the rest are either contesting their deportation orders or have had their cases dismissed,” he clarified.
Immediate Deportations Already Scheduled
Mr. Ablakwa further revealed that three Ghanaians have already been processed for deportation and are scheduled to depart the U.S. on commercial flights on March 19, March 28, and April 1, 2025.
“Three individuals are set to leave the U.S. on March 19, March 28, and April 1. Representations have also been made on behalf of one Ghanaian due to health concerns, and he has been released to seek medical care,” he noted.
In a bid to ensure fairness, the Minister disclosed that ten Ghanaians have undergone interviews at the Ghana Embassy to verify their nationality and guarantee they receive a fair hearing before any deportation actions are finalized.
“The Ghana Embassy has interviewed ten individuals to confirm their Ghanaian nationality and ensure their cases are treated fairly,” he added.
Plans to Reduce Passport Fees
On a related note, Mr. Ablakwa announced plans to make Ghanaian passports more affordable. He is pushing for an amendment to the Fees and Charges Act to reduce the cost of the 32-page ordinary passport booklet from GH₵500 to GH₵350.
This follows public outcry over the steep price hike during the Akufo-Addo administration, which increased the fee from GH₵100 to GH₵500 to cover printing costs.
“The government recognizes the financial burden this fee places on Ghanaians. We are committed to making passports more affordable while maintaining high security standards,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
The proposed reduction is expected to ease the financial strain on Ghanaians and encourage more citizens to obtain valid travel documents.
Government’s Commitment
The Minister reassured Parliament that the government is closely monitoring the deportation cases and is engaging with U.S. authorities to ensure the rights and dignity of affected Ghanaians are upheld.
“The government remains committed to safeguarding the rights of Ghanaians abroad and ensuring that deportation processes are conducted in a fair and humane manner,” he affirmed.
This update reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to address both the challenges faced by Ghanaians abroad and the concerns of citizens at home regarding essential services like passport issuance.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
