• Ghana to accept U.S.-deported West African nationals

• First group of 14 arrivals includes Nigerians, Gambians

• Mahama notes strained U.S. ties, eyes trade with China

Ghana has agreed to accept West African nationals deported from the United States, President John Mahama announced on Wednesday, September 10, during a press conference. He noted that most " fellow West Africans don’t need a visa” to come to Ghana. 

"West Africa has the protocol of free movement, and so any West African is free to come to Ghana and be able to stay for 90 days. And so if they [the U.S.] are bringing our colleagues back, we don’t have a problem accepting them," he added.

A first group of 14 people, including Nigerians and Gambians, has already arrived in Ghana, the president said, though he did not specify the total number of deportees the country is willing to accept. Ghana has facilitated the return of those who wish to go back to their home countries.

The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is carrying out a large-scale campaign to deport undocumented migrants to third-party countries, which he has called "largest deportation operation in American history." The U.S. has previously sent migrants to Panama, El Salvador, and South Sudan.

Some nations, including Rwanda, South Sudan, and Eswatini, have agreed to accept deportees from the U.S., while others, such as Nigeria, have refused. In May, South Sudan became the first African country to officially receive individuals returned by U.S. authorities, accepting eight migrants.

President Mahama acknowledged that relations between Accra and Washington are "strained," citing a U.S. increase in customs duties on Ghanaian products from 10% to 15%, as well as new visa restrictions. He said his country should seek to increase its exports to China.

Lydie Mobio