US Deportation Process Will Not Be Publicized – Foreign Minister

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the government will not make public the process and locations of deported Ghanaians arriving from the United States. This, he said, is to protect the dignity and privacy of returnees and ensure their successful reintegration. Speaking to the press, the Minister confirmed that brief from Ghana’s foreign officials in the United States remain unchanged and that the number of deportees currently stands at 116. However, unlike in previous years, the government has opted for a more discreet approach in handling deportations. “When we arrive, our team welcomes them and supports them with integration and family reunification efforts in collaboration with other partners. We are doing all of this quietly because it is important to respect the dignity of our compatriots,” Hon. Ablakwa explained. He emphasized that publicizing the deportation process and exposing returnees to media coverage could damage their reputations and hinder their ability to rebuild their lives, find employment, and reintegrate into society. “We can always provide updates, but we will not subject these individuals to unnecessary public scrutiny,” – he added. Hon. Ablakwa also addressed growing concerns over a viral video that appeared to show some Ghanaians fighting in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He revealed that Ghanaian authorities are working closely with the Russian Embassy and other diplomatic partners to identify the individuals involved and understand the circumstances. “Our colleagues in Moscow have found it extremely difficult to trace or verify the people seen in that video. We invited the Russian Ambassador to Ghana for discussions, and he told us his government is not aware of any such situation,” the Minister said. Preliminary investigations suggest that some private recruitment agencies may have misled unsuspecting Ghanaian youth into traveling abroad under the pretense of securing jobs, only to be sent to the battlefronts of Ukraine. “These young people were not soldiers or vigilantes. They were just looking for decent work,” the Minister noted. “We are treating this matter seriously and are calling on Ghanaians who have any information, especially those with relatives who may be caught up in this situation, to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” So far, no Ghanaian family has come forward with credible details about missing or involved relatives, making it difficult for officials to take further steps. The Minister stressed that efforts to confirm and rescue any affected citizens remain ongoing. “This is one opportunity to reach out to the Ghanaian people. If you know anyone involved, please let us know. We are committed to bringing them back to safety,” he appealed. The government says it remains vigilant in protecting its citizens abroad, particularly in conflict zones and challenging migration routes. Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Ebenezer Madugu