The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that 188 Ghanaians are set to be deported from the United States as part of an immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed during a press briefing on Thursday, June 26, that Ghana had received official notification of the deportation and is working closely with US officials to ensure a humane and organised repatriation process.
“We have so far been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on President Trump’s deportation list.
“Our embassies in New York and Washington are cooperating with U.S. counterparts, and travel certificates are being promptly issued,” Mr. Ablakwa noted.
He further assured that Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ministry of the Interior, would receive the returnees with compassion and has initiated a comprehensive reintegration plan.
“We will be at the airport to welcome our compatriots and ensure they are properly integrated,” he assured.
“This will be done discreetly to protect their dignity, especially since many are returning under distressing circumstances—some without personal belongings or savings.”
The announcement comes amid reports by The Washington Post that the Trump administration is weighing the inclusion of Ghana and 35 other countries in a travel ban. Responding to the development, the Minister confirmed that Ghana is likely to face a US visa ban.
He explained that, according to US authorities, the move is tied to the high number of visa overstays especially among students.
“The US officials have communicated to us that the challenge we face really relates to overstays particularly with students. Students who we have been sending abroad to study, so students who go on government scholarship and those who go on their own and apply to study in the US. They have formally communicated to us that 21% is the default rate. 21% of those who completed their course refuse to return according to US data,” he revealed.
