In a controversial twist to U.S. immigration enforcement, the United States has deported the first group of Nigerians—not to their home country, but to Ghana. The move is part of a broader strategy under President Donald Trump’s administration to relocate undocumented migrants to third-party nations, even when those countries are not their place of origin.
Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama confirmed that 14 deportees, including several Nigerians and a Gambian, arrived in Accra earlier this week. Ghana agreed to temporarily host West African nationals expelled from the U.S., citing the ECOWAS free movement protocol which allows visa-free entry among member states.
The Nigerian government has previously rejected similar overtures from Washington, insisting it will only accept its own citizens directly and not deportees routed through other countries. Despite this stance, Ghana facilitated the onward journey of the Nigerians back to Nigeria by bus, while arrangements are underway for the Gambian national’s return.
This development has sparked concern among civil society groups and immigration advocates, who argue that deporting individuals to countries where they have no legal or cultural ties violates international protections. Critics also warn that such policies could strain diplomatic relations and expose deportees to heightened risks.
The deportation arrangement with Ghana comes amid rising tensions between Accra and Washington, including increased tariffs on Ghanaian exports and new visa restrictions. Analysts believe the deal may be part of a broader negotiation strategy aimed at easing trade and diplomatic friction.
As more African nations face pressure to accept third-country deportees, the implications of this policy shift are likely to reverberate across the continent, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, human rights, and regional cooperation.
