Ablakwa: Ghana not profiting from U.S. deportee arrangement

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has rejected claims that Ghana has gained financially or materially from its cooperation with the United States in accepting deported West Africans.

Addressing the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, September 15, the minister emphasised that the agreement was not profit-driven. 

“It is important to state that Ghana has not received any money, compensation or any material benefit in relation to this understanding. Our decision is grounded purely on humanitarian grounds and principle,” he said.

The minister’s clarification comes amid growing public concern following reports that Nigerian and Gambian nationals had been redirected to Ghana under the deal. Opposition lawmakers have argued that the arrangement undermines the country’s sovereignty.

Mr Ablakwa, however, emphasised that the programme was being handled responsibly and in accordance with international humanitarian standards. 

He noted that government’s foremost responsibility remained the safety and dignity of its citizens, while still meeting Ghana’s obligations on the global stage.

Reaffirming the state’s position, he added that sovereignty and national security would never be compromised under such agreements.