Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has revealed that 188 Ghanaians are on US President Donald Trump’s deportation list.
According to Ablakwa, the country has been officially notified of the list and is working closely with U.S. authorities to ensure a humanitarian and orderly deportation process.
He further revealed that all deportees will be received with dignity, with a reintegration plan.
At a press conference in Accra on Thursday, 26 June, Mr Ablakwa stated, “We have so far been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on President Trump’s deportation list”.
“Our embassies in New York and Washington are cooperating with U.S. counterparts, and travel certificates are being promptly issued”, he added.
Ablakwa assured, “We will be at the airport to welcome our compatriots and ensure they are properly integrated”.
“This will be done discreetly to protect their dignity, especially since many are returning under distressing circumstances—some without personal belongings or savings.”
“We’ve had very productive meetings with the U.S. State Department and White House officials. Ghana’s long-standing and strategic ties with the United States will count for something,” he said.
Ablakwa further added, “We are confident Ghana will not be treated like countries facing serious national security red flags. Our cooperation has been consistent, and we remain a responsible partner.”
The Washington Post report suggests the U.S. is preparing a second wave of travel bans, this time potentially targeting 36 countries, up from the 19 affected during Trump’s first term.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also revealed that Ghana is currently on a U.S. visa ban watchlist.
Ablakwa revealed that Ghana is on the U.S visa ban watchlist due to a high rate of student visa overstays.
According to official U.S. data communicated to Ghanaian authorities, 21% of Ghanaian students who complete their studies in the United States fail to return home—a figure significantly above the U.S. threshold of 15% for acceptable overstay rates.
On June 14, 2025, a statement made by U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that his administration is considering restricting entry to citizens from 36 additional countries, including Ghana.
