Ghana faces growing criticism over US deportee agreement
Ghana's decision to accept deportees from the United States has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges. Eleven of the first 14 deportees sued the Ghanaian government, alleging unlawful detention after being held in military custody. Most were subsequently deported to neighboring Togo, where they reportedly must fend for themselves, intensifying criticism of Ghana’s handling of the situation. Opposition members argue the deportee agreement violates Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval for international agreements. They accuse President John Mahama’s administration of bypassing legal procedures and compromising national security. The government defends its actions, emphasizing humanitarian and pan-African motives rather than support for U.S. immigration policies. Officials stress that deportees undergo vetting to exclude criminals and terrorists. The move has raised broader concerns about Ghana’s foreign policy direction and the implications of accepting deportees, with some experts viewing it as the U.S. outsourcing immigration challenges. Public opinion remains divided, questioning the agreement’s consistency with Ghana’s democratic principles and constitutional framework.