The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured the public that it is actively working to facilitate the safe return, reintegration, and reunification of Ghanaians being deported from the United States of America.
Following intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 3,500 undocumented immigrants across the country since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Deportation flights have also resumed, with some migrants being transported using U.S. military aircraft.
According to the Pew Research Center, the United States—home to a population of about 341 million—hosts an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants.
Ghana is among the countries affected, with 160 of its nationals currently facing imminent deportation. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra ahead of the ECOWAS at 50 launch, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that comprehensive efforts are underway to ensure the safe and dignified return of the affected individuals.
He noted that there have been no significant updates since the last report from Ghana’s embassy in Washington but reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the returnees and helping them reintegrate into society.
“The number, as we have received from our foreign service officials, is that about 160 Ghanaians are on the deportation list, and the deportation exercise is going on. For us, on the grounds of humanitarian reasons and human rights, we have decided not to publicise information about them.
“So, when they arrive, our team welcomes them and helps them with integration and connects them with their families. We are also working with other partners quietly because it is important that we respect the dignity of our fellow compatriots and not expose them to media coverage,” he stated.
