U.S. Deports First Batch of Nigerians to Ghana Under New Immigration Arrangement

The United States has deported the first group of Nigerians and other West African nationals to Ghana as part of its new immigration enforcement measures. The deportees, numbering 14, arrived in Accra earlier this week and included Nigerians, a Gambian, and several other ECOWAS citizens. Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, confirmed the development on Wednesday, explaining that the decision to receive the deportees was consistent with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) free movement protocol, which permits citizens of member states to enter Ghana without visas. “We accepted them because West Africans are entitled to free movement within the sub-region. Ghana will ensure they are assisted with onward travel to their home countries,” President Mahama stated in Accra. The deportation marks the first implementation of Washington’s controversial third-country deportation arrangement, which allows migrants to be transferred to partner countries when direct repatriation to their nations of origin is delayed or considered unfeasible. American officials maintain that the strategy will strengthen border enforcement and streamline deportations. However, human rights organizations have expressed strong reservations, warning that moving people to countries where they have no family ties, support systems, or legal protection could expose them to undue hardship. In Accra, Ghanaian officials confirmed that the arrivals were screened and documented at Kotoka International Airport before being processed for onward travel. While some may remain in Ghana under ECOWAS law, those whose destination lies elsewhere — particularly Nigeria — will be repatriated with the support of their governments. In Nigeria, diplomatic sources disclosed that the country’s High Commission in Accra has been informed of the situation and is working with Ghanaian authorities to provide consular assistance. Officials in Abuja are expected to oversee the return of the deported Nigerians in the coming days. The deportation has stirred fresh debate across West Africa and beyond. Analysts suggest that the move could set a precedent for further U.S. operations involving African countries, raising potential diplomatic and humanitarian concerns. Advocacy groups have urged both Ghana and Nigeria to ensure that the deportees are not left stranded or denied access to necessary support. For now, Ghana has reiterated its commitment to regional solidarity under ECOWAS, while Nigeria prepares to reintegrate its citizens caught up in the U.S. deportation exercise.