Explosive Backlash as Minority Condemns Ghana US Deportee Deal Over Constitutional Breach
Minority Raises Alarm Over Ghana US Deportee Deal
The Minority Caucus on the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs has accused the government of breaching Ghana’s Constitution by allowing deported West African nationals from the United States to be processed through Ghana.
The matter became public after President John Dramani Mahama revealed during a media briefing at Jubilee House on September 10 that Ghana had received 14 deportees under a bilateral understanding with Washington. Among them were Nigerians and one Gambian, who were reportedly admitted into the country under ECOWAS free movement rules.
Constitutional Questions Surround the Agreement
In a statement signed on September 12 by Samuel A. Jinapor, the Ranking Member of the Committee, the Minority described the Ghana US deportee deal as a direct violation of Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution.
That provision requires all treaties, conventions, and agreements entered into by the government to be presented before Parliament for ratification. According to the Minority, the executive sidestepped this process.
“This government cannot ignore the Constitution. Agreements of this nature must be subjected to parliamentary oversight for transparency and accountability,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
Echoes of Past Controversies
The opposition also compared the situation to the 2016 controversy when the Mahama administration allowed two Yemeni ex-detainees from Guantanamo Bay into Ghana without parliamentary approval. That decision was later ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
“This is not the first time Ghana has faced such constitutional issues regarding international security agreements,” the Minority reminded, adding that the precedent reinforces their demand for due process.
Risks to Sovereignty and National Security
The Minority caucus expressed concern that the Ghana US deportee deal could expose the country to security risks without adequate vetting procedures. They argued that Ghana should not be seen as a soft landing ground for deportees from other nations.
“Ghana has built a reputation for principled diplomacy, regional solidarity, and respect for human rights. Associating our country with the United States’ strict deportation regime could tarnish this image,” the statement said.
Why the Ghana US Deportee Deal Matters
Ghana’s standing in international diplomacy is tied to its image as a rule-abiding democracy and a stable player in ECOWAS. Critics argue that hosting deportees from other countries without parliamentary approval undermines this reputation and could shift Ghana’s foreign policy direction.
There are also practical challenges. Immigration experts warn that without proper monitoring frameworks, Ghana risks becoming a transit hub for deportations it did not initiate, complicating local security management.
Government’s Position on the Deportee Deal
President Mahama defended the agreement by referring to ECOWAS protocols that allow West African citizens to travel and stay for up to 90 days without visas. He argued that Ghana was within its rights to accept deportees who fall under this arrangement.
However, critics note that ECOWAS rules cannot override Ghana’s constitutional obligations. This legal conflict has placed the government under pressure to clarify the exact terms of the arrangement.
Minority Demands Suspension of the Deal
The Minority is calling for an immediate suspension of the Ghana US deportee deal until it is formally presented to Parliament. They insist that government must explain when the deal was signed, what security measures are in place, and how deportees will be handled.
“No government should have unchecked authority to sign international agreements that touch on sovereignty and security. Parliament’s role cannot be overlooked,” Mr. Jinapor insisted.
Regional and Global Context
Across Africa, deportee agreements with Western nations remain highly controversial. In 2018, Nigeria faced public resistance after signing a similar arrangement with the European Union.
In Ghana, deportations are a growing issue. The Ghana Immigration Service reported that over 1,800 nationals were deported between 2018 and 2022, mostly from the US and Europe. This underscores the urgent need for clear policy frameworks on handling deportees, whether Ghanaian citizens or foreign nationals.
Conclusion
The dispute over the Ghana US deportee deal highlights the tension between constitutional procedure, regional obligations, and national security concerns. While the government defends its decision as consistent with ECOWAS principles, the Minority insists that parliamentary approval is non-negotiable.
How the issue is resolved will not only affect Ghana’s foreign policy credibility but also set a precedent for future international agreements.
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