A Ghanaian civil society group, Democracy Hub, has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the deportation agreement between Ghana and the United States, arguing that the deal violates the country’s constitution and international human rights conventions.
The suit, lodged at the Supreme Court on Monday, seeks to have the deportation arrangement — initiated under President John Mahama — declared unconstitutional. It claims the government acted unlawfully by accepting deportees from West Africa under a U.S. programme led by President Donald Trump without parliamentary approval or ratification.
Under the deal, Ghana has received at least 28 deportees, with some reportedly transferred to third countries or left undocumented, according to lawyers and deportees.
Democracy Hub contends that the detention of deportees in military facilities and their onward deportation contravene both Ghana’s constitution and international conventions against torture. The group further alleges that migrants have been held in “inhumane and degrading” conditions without charges or access to legal counsel.
The court is expected to hear arguments on whether to suspend the agreement on October 22.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed last week that the country agreed to take in deportees as part of broader negotiations to lift U.S. visa restrictions and review trade tariffs.
“They said okay, you want visa restrictions lifted and a review of the trade tariffs — we also have immigration challenges and want your help,” Ablakwa said in an interview with TV3 Ghana.
