USA Deports First Batch of Nigerians to Ghana Under West Africa Deal

A group of 14 West African nationals, including several Nigerians and one Gambian, were deported from the United States and landed in Ghana this week, in line with a new agreement between the two countries. Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama confirmed that the returnees are being facilitated for onward travel back to their home countries.

The move comes as part of the U.S. government’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which involves expelling undocumented foreigners—including from non-U.S. citizens in third countries. The policy requires cooperation from other nations to accept those deported, and Ghana is the first in West Africa to publicly agree to do so under this arrangement.

The development has raised human rights concerns among advocates who warn that deporting people to “third countries” could violate due process and pose risks for vulnerable individuals. Still, Ghana justified its role citing ECOWAS protocols that allow visa-free movement among many West African states, thus facilitating the acceptance of the deportees.

What do you think—does this set a precedent for other countries in the region to follow? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Share to: