The Member of Parliament for Oforikrom, Michael Kwasi Aidoo, has accused President John Mahama of misleading Ghanaians over an agreement with the United States government to accept deportees with criminal records into Ghana.
The MP alleges that the Mahama-led government secretly negotiated the deal at a time when other African nations had rejected similar U.S. proposals.
He argues that the President’s claim that 14 deportees were West African nationals is “false and deceptive” and that it breached constitutional processes.
Mr. Aidoo questioned why Ghana proceeded to accept the deportees, who were said to be Nigerians and Gambians, when the two countries had not confirmed them as their citizens. He maintained that none of the West African embassies in Washington, D.C., has verified the deportees’ nationality.
“The President’s assertion that these deportees are all West African nationals is untrue. They are criminals whom no country in West Africa has claimed, and no embassy has stepped forward to confirm their citizenship. If the President’s office truly intended to ‘facilitate their return,’ it must explain why these embassies have refused to identify them,” he said.
The Oforikrom legislator further argued that international deportation protocols were ignored.
“Normally, the sending state must provide proof of nationality, and the receiving state must verify before admitting the individual. Ghana skipped this entire process. The Nigerian and Gambian embassies’ refusal strongly suggests that Ghana’s assertion of West African nationality is unfounded.
“The fact that Nigeria has not accepted the deportees indicates its government has not established their citizenship. The African Union has condemned using any Member State as a receptacle for unwanted migrants, especially where human rights abuses are alleged by the deporting power. The Trump administration’s harsh treatment of migrants of African descent only underscores the injustice of this deal,” he said.
Mr. Aidoo also questioned what Ghana might have received in exchange for the agreement, suggesting that the “shady” deal compromised the country’s sovereignty.
“What was offered in return? Were any trade, security, or visa-facilitation incentives promised to the U.S.? This pact comes at a time when U.S. aid to Ghana is suspended, visa restrictions have tightened, and tariffs of over 15% have been imposed on Ghana’s exports. Other African states courted by President Trump rejected similar proposals. Why did Ghana alone agree? Are we trading our sovereignty for secret concessions known only to the President and his government? Why is it only during Mahama’s time that such deals to harbor criminals are made?” he queried.
Citing Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution, he insisted that such agreements required parliamentary approval.
He referenced the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling in Republic v. Attorney-General & Others, which declared executive-only deals of this nature unconstitutional.
“Unless this deportation agreement was laid before Parliament and ratified, it is unlawful and of no binding force. Why should Ghana alone agree to this deal when other African states, even those courted by President Trump, rejected it? Are we selling our sovereignty in exchange for favors known only to the President and his government?” he asked.
Calling for transparency, Mr. Aidoo urged the government to publish the full agreement, warning that failure to do so would undermine both Ghana’s constitution and its dignity.
“The President has not told the nation the truth. This deal must be abandoned if Ghana is to uphold its sovereignty and protect the integrity of our democracy,” he affirmed.
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