Deportation Deal Sparks Controversy as Minority Insists on Parliamentary Approval
Accra,Ghana – September 24,2025 - The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate suspension of the deportation agreement between Ghana and the United States, citing constitutional breaches and potential risks to national security and human rights. The agreement, which allows for the deportation of West African nationals from the US to Ghana, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about parliamentary oversight.
At a press briefing ,Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, emphasized that the government's decision to operationalize the agreement without parliamentary ratification is a direct constitutional violation of Article 75. This article requires that every treaty, agreement, or convention executed by or under the authority of the President be laid before Parliament for ratification. Jinapor stressed that the Constitution makes no distinction between formal agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, and attempts to downplay this agreement are deeply disturbing.
The Minority Caucus also raised concerns about human rights and security implications. Some deported individuals are reportedly being detained against their will, and legal action has been initiated to protect their rights.
Jinapor urged the government to provide full clarity on the safeguards and measures in place to protect Ghana's national security interests and human rights. The caucus warned that bypassing parliamentary oversight could harm Ghana's diplomatic reputation and undermine its tradition of independent foreign policy.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has stated that the deal is a Memorandum of Understanding and does not require parliamentary ratification unless it is elevated to a full agreement. However, the Minority insists that parliamentary approval is necessary, regardless of the agreement's form. Ablakwa also mentioned that about 40 more deportees are expected in the coming days.
The Minority Caucus drew parallels with a 2016 case involving the transfer of Guantánamo Bay detainees to Ghana, which was ruled unconstitutional due to the absence of parliamentary approval. They emphasized that ignoring parliamentary oversight risks undermining Ghana's global image and credibility, particularly its reputation for upholding human rights and maintaining an independent foreign policy.
The Minority has reiterated its call on the government to suspend the implementation of the deportation agreement until Parliament has duly exercised its constitutional mandate to scrutinize, save, and ratify it. The caucus demands full disclosure of the safeguards and measures in place to protect Ghana's national security interests and human rights.
Source – Lead News Online
