Only 156 Ghanaians Face Deportation from US, Not 6,200, Ablakwa clarifies

Accra, Ghana - 31 Jan, 2025 - Ghana's Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has moved to calm fears over the number of Ghanaians facing deportation from the United States.

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting 6,200 individuals were at risk, Ablakwa says official figures from US authorities indicate only 156 Ghanaians are facing imminent deportation.

Ablakwa made the clarification during his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, assuring that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with US authorities to protect the rights and dignity of affected Ghanaians.

“There have been publications that about 6,200 Ghanaians will be affected by the mass deportation by the United States. But from the brief that has been shared with me from the officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they allay fears that the numbers are not that high and that currently, the official communication the ministry has received from Washington DC is 156, not 6,200, which face imminent deportation,” he stated.

The development comes as the US ramps up its crackdown on unauthorized immigration under President Trump.

The US has been intensifying its efforts to curb unauthorized immigration, with over 3,500 arrests made since President Trump took office on January 20. As part of this crackdown, the Trump administration has launched deportation flights, sending migrants back to their home countries or third nations.

This move is consistent with Trump's hardline stance on immigration, which also includes plans to reduce legal immigration, such as limiting visas for refugees and tech workers.

Source: Lead News Online