President John Dramani Mahama has firmly reassured Ghanaians that the country will not be used as a dumping ground for deportees, especially those with criminal records, under the government’s current understanding with the United States.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Accra on Wednesday, October 1, President Mahama addressed rising public concerns over Ghana’s acceptance of deported individuals from the U.S., following recent disclosures by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the arrival of additional West African deportees.
“I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the U.S. does not undermine our sovereignty, security, or stability,” the President said.
“Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds.”
His comments come after Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed on September 17 that Ghana would receive another 40 deportees from the United States in the coming days. The news followed criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who questioned the transparency and legal basis of the arrangement after the country earlier accepted 14 deportees without parliamentary approval.
The government has since clarified that the agreement is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ghana and the U.S., which does not require ratification by Parliament.
The Foreign Affairs Minister described the arrangement as humanitarian, stating that Ghana was acting in solidarity with fellow West Africans who were being subjected to inhumane treatment abroad.
Reinforcing that position, President Mahama said the country’s agreement with the U.S. is “limited, carefully vetted, and aligned with our ECOWAS protocols,” and emphasised that all returnees are thoroughly screened before being accepted.
“It reflects Ghana’s Pan-African commitment to regional cooperation while safeguarding our dignity and sovereignty,” he added.
The President also urged Ghana’s diplomats to play a key role in managing both perception and national image on the international stage.
“Diplomacy involves more than just negotiation. It also encompasses managing perceptions and safeguarding your nation’s reputation,” he told the diplomats. “Distinguished Ambassadors and High Commissioners, your foremost responsibility is to tell Ghana’s story with conviction and credibility.”
Highlighting Ghana’s strengths, President Mahama called on the envoys to portray the country as “a stable democracy with a proven record of peaceful transitions,” a land of trade and innovation, and a place where “our people are determined to create jobs for our youth and restore dignity to our workforce.”
