Calls grow for full disclosure as government denies accepting Salvadoran national
A diplomatic row over the alleged deportation of a Salvadoran national, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to Ghana has reignited Parliament’s Minority’s demand for the government to submit the Ghana–U.S. deportee agreement to Parliament for scrutiny and ratification.
The controversy erupted after ABC News (U.S.) reported on October 10 that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) planned to deport Garcia—who faces criminal allegations—to Ghana under a supposed bilateral deportee arrangement.
However, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa swiftly dismissed the report, describing it as “inaccurate and misleading.”
According to him, Ghana’s understanding with the United States does not cover criminal deportees, nor does it apply to non-Africans, as claimed in the U.S. report.
“Our humanitarian agreement with the U.S. concerns only a limited number of stranded West Africans—mainly non-criminals—being assisted to return home,” Mr. Ablakwa explained, insisting that Ghana will not accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is a Salvadoran and not Ghanaian.
Following Ghana’s refusal, the U.S. authorities officially complied with the decision, confirming that Garcia will not be sent to Ghana.
Minority Wants Agreement Made Public
Despite welcoming the minister’s clarification, the Minority Caucus in Parliament insists that the entire deportee framework must be made public and brought before Parliament for ratification, in line with Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution.
The Minority argues that the secrecy surrounding the agreement fuels speculation that Ghana may have entered into the deal as a reciprocal arrangement for recent U.S. visa concessions—a claim government has yet to clearly address.
Former Lands Minister and NPP MP for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, in a Facebook post on October 11, said the Foreign Minister’s explanation “contradicts the widely held belief” that the deportee deal was part of a quid pro quo arrangement with the Trump administration.
“These and other considerations highlight the need for utmost transparency in the conduct of our foreign policy,” he noted.
Parliament to Resume Oversight
With Parliament expected to resume sitting on October 21, 2025, the Minority says the government has a “golden opportunity” to uphold constitutional accountability by laying the agreement before the House.
They argue that full disclosure will not only ensure transparency and constitutional compliance, but also restore public confidence in Ghana’s foreign policy engagements, particularly those involving sensitive international partnerships.
“This is not about partisanship,” a Minority spokesperson said. “It’s about protecting Ghana’s sovereignty and ensuring that agreements signed in our name are properly scrutinized.”
Broader Concerns
The diplomatic back-and-forth has revived longstanding concerns over Ghana’s handling of foreign returnee agreements, especially those linked to Western nations.
Analysts warn that any lack of clarity risks damaging Ghana’s reputation as a country that respects international law while safeguarding its constitutional independence.
