50 Ghanaians to be deported from U.S. by mid-2025 — Ablakwa reveals in Parliament

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that 50 out of 150 Ghanaians currently detained in the United States have received final deportation orders and are expected to be repatriated by mid-2025.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa provided detailed updates on the status of Ghanaians facing deportation, citing offenses such as rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry as the reasons for their detention.

“Updates from the Washington mission indicate as follows: currently, there are 150 Ghanaians in detention across various centers in the U.S. who are awaiting deportation for crimes such as rape, internet fraud, and illegal entry,” he said.

The Minister noted that 50 out of these 150 individuals have received final deportation orders from U.S. courts and are slated to return to Ghana by mid-year 2025, while the remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed.

“Fifty (50) out of the 150 individuals have received final deportation orders from the court. The deportation is expected to take place by mid-year 2025. The remaining 100 cases are either under appeal or have been dismissed,” Mr. Ablakwa added.

He further disclosed that three Ghanaians have already been processed and scheduled to depart the U.S. on commercial flights on March 19, March 28, and April 1, 2025.

“Representations have been made to U.S. authorities on behalf of one Ghanaian on grounds of ill health, and he has been released to seek medical care. Three Ghanaians have also been processed and scheduled to depart from the U.S. on commercial flights on the 19th of March 2025, 28th March 2025, and 1st April 2025 respectively,” he said.

Additionally, ten (10) Ghanaians have been interviewed by the Ghana Embassy to verify their nationality and ensure they receive a fair hearing before any deportation actions are finalized.

“Ten (10) Ghanaians have also been interviewed by the Embassy to verify their nationality and ensure that they have received a fair hearing,” Mr. Ablakwa emphasized.

Passport fees reduction plan

Meanwhile, Mr. Ablakwa also touched on efforts to make Ghanaian passports more affordable. He is seeking an urgent amendment to the Fees and Charges Act to reduce the cost of the ordinary passport booklet from GH?500 to GH?350, following a previous increase under the Akufo-Addo administration.

The 32-page passport booklet fee, which was raised from GH?100 to GH?500 to accommodate the cost of printing, has been a source of concern for many Ghanaians.

“The government recognizes concerns about the affordability of the new passport and is committed to ensuring that the cost remains reasonable while maintaining high security standards,” the Minister said.

Parliament is expected to consider this proposal in the coming days.

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