Trump Deportations: Ablakwa Announces 50 Of 150 Detained Ghanaians Set To Be Sacked From US
- The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that 50 Ghanaians in the US have received final deportation orders
- Ablakwa also disclosed to Parliament that three Ghanaians have already been processed for deportation from the US
- The minister indicated the Ghanaians set to be deported were accused of certain crimes like fraud
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced to Parliament that 50 out of 150 Ghanaians currently in detention in the US have received final deportation orders.
These Ghanaians are expected to return to Ghana by mid-year while the remaining 100 are still being reviewed.
Source: Facebook
Speaking on March 13, 2025, Ablakwa also noted that three Ghanaians have already been processed for deportation.
They are scheduled to leave the US on commercial flights between March 19 and April 1, 2025.
The minister indicated the Ghanaians set to be deported were accused of certain crimes.
“Currently, there are 150 Ghanaians in detention across various centres in the US who are awaiting deportation for crimes such as internet fraud, and illegal entry.”
He further explained that out of the 150 detainees, 50 individuals have received final deportation orders and will be deported by mid-year, while the remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed.
The minister also highlighted efforts by the Ghanaian government to intervene in some cases, noting that one Ghanaian detainee was granted release on medical grounds following diplomatic representation.
“Representations have been made to US authorities on behalf of one Ghanaian on grounds of ill health, and he has been released to seek medical care.”
Additionally, 10 Ghanaians have undergone interviews by the Ghanaian Embassy to verify their nationality and ensure they have received fair hearings.
The Foreign Minister assured Parliament that his ministry is closely monitoring the situation and engaging US authorities to ensure that the rights of affected Ghanaians are protected throughout the deportation process.
Ablakwa's other business in Parliament
Ablakwa also noted that the government has announced plans to reduce the cost of an ordinary 32-page passport from GH¢500 to GH¢350, representing a more than 25% decrease.
Ablakwa said this price reduction is to ensure that the cost of passports remains reasonable.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana passport application fees were increased in 2024 under the Akufo-Addo administration with the standard application fee for 32 pages going up from GH¢100 to GH¢500.
The expedited application fee for 32 pages went up from GH¢100 to GH¢640.
Ghanaians abandon Church of Pentecost branch in US
YEN.con.gh reported that a Church of Pentecost branch in the US was abandoned by some of its Ghanaian members because of deportation fears.
The district pastor of the Church of Pentecost USA Inc., North Columbus, Samuel Koomson, said 50% of his congregation was staying home.
US President Donald Trump promised to crack down on immigration during his presidential campaign.
Aside from religious activities, the fear of deportation has also spread to educational spaces.
A Ghanaian teacher in the US voiced some concerns in the wake of the ongoing crackdown on some immigrants.
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Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Delali Adogla-Bessa (Head of Current Affairs and Politics Desk) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: delali.adogla-bessa@yen.com.gh.
Samuel Gitonga (Copy editor) Samuel Gitonga is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. He holds a Bachelor of Broadcast Journalism Degree from the Multimedia University of Kenya. He has over 7 years’ experience in the digital journalism industry. He started out his career at the Kenya News Agency and proceeded to work for several reputable media outlets in Nairobi.
