The first set of Nigerians marked for deportation from the United States under President Donald Trump have been expelled.
Former Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, disclosed this late Wednesday, confirming that 14 deportees, including Nigerians and one Gambian, had already arrived in Ghana. The Ghanaian government facilitated their return to their home countries.
Mahama said the Nigerians were transported by bus back to Nigeria, while arrangements were still being made for the Gambian national to return home.
“We were approached by the U.S. to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the U.S., and we agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable. All our fellow West African nationals don’t need visas to come to our country,” Mahama explained.
He described Ghana-U.S. relations as facing a “tightening situation,” citing increased U.S. tariffs on Ghanaian goods and visa restrictions, though he stressed that relations remained positive.
The Trump administration has stepped up efforts to deport migrants as part of its campaign to deter illegal immigration, often approaching African countries to accept deportees. Some of those expelled have been nationals from Jamaica, Vietnam, and Laos, sparking criticism from rights groups who argue the practice violates basic human rights.
Nigeria has previously resisted U.S. pressure to accept third-country migrants, insisting it would not bow to such demands.
In recent months, the U.S. has deported individuals to various African nations, including five to Eswatini, eight to South Sudan in July, and seven to Rwanda in August under a new bilateral transfer arrangement.
Rights groups warn that the strategy risks undermining international human rights obligations, while observers note that tensions between the U.S. and some African countries could deepen if the deportations continue.
(Source: Daily Trust)
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