Ghana’s Position Upheld by the U.S

The Government of Ghana has confirmed that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has respected and complied with Ghana’s refusal to receive Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran at the centre of an international deportation dispute.

In a statement posted on Friday, October 10, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that Washington formally acknowledged Ghana’s stance and had taken corrective steps to reflect that Ghana “cannot be an option for Garcia’s deportation.”

“We also note with satisfaction that DHS has today taken the appropriate steps to inform Garcia’s lawyers and amend court submissions to reflect the fact that Ghana cannot be an option for Garcia’s deportation,” Ablakwa stated.

He reiterated that Ghana never entered into any arrangement to accept Garcia and maintained that the country’s diplomatic position has been consistent and transparent throughout discussions with U.S. authorities.

Ablakwa Reaffirms Ghana’s Humanitarian Policy

Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana’s humanitarian policy, which allows for the resettlement of limited numbers of non-criminal West Africans, does not extend to citizens of other regions or individuals facing criminal allegations.

“The Mahama Administration will continue to be transparent and truthful to Ghanaians at all times,” Ablakwa affirmed.

The announcement comes after reports suggested that U.S. officials were considering Ghana as a potential destination for Garcia after El Salvador blocked his deportation due to credible fears of persecution.

Background: Who Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia?

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador in March 2025 despite a 2019 court order protecting him from removal. The deportation, later admitted by U.S. authorities as an administrative error, was reversed in June 2025 when Garcia was returned to the United States under court orders.

Shortly after his return, Garcia was charged in Tennessee with human smuggling, though he has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers have argued that the charges are retaliatory, linked to his lawsuit over the wrongful deportation.

Although his asylum claim was denied, Garcia still retains the right to appeal while his legal challenge against the deportation process continues.

Ghana’s Diplomatic Approach

This latest development underscores Ghana’s firm approach to sovereignty and international cooperation, balancing humanitarian values with strict immigration principles.

The Ministry’s stance has been widely praised locally for defending Ghana’s diplomatic independence amid global immigration pressures.