A total of 2,470 Ghanaian nationals are currently being held in detention facilities across the United States, awaiting deportation. This figure, r
A total of 2,470 Ghanaian nationals are currently being held in detention facilities across the United States, awaiting deportation.
This figure, released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marks one of the highest on record for Ghana and reflects the intensified immigration enforcement measures under the Trump administration.
The surge in detentions is largely attributed to the Global Enforcement Initiative, a policy launched in April 2025 aimed at accelerating the removal of undocumented immigrants worldwide.
According to DHS data, 478 Ghanaians were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2025 alone, a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Between January and August of the same year, 312 Ghanaians were deported back to Accra, representing a 17% rise from the same period in 2024.
Most of these deportations were due to criminal convictions, immigration violations, or overstaying visas.
The growing number of deportees has raised concerns among Ghanaian diaspora communities and human rights advocates about the treatment and legal recourse available to those detained.
The Ghanaian government has acknowledged the situation and is reportedly working with U.S. authorities to ensure that the rights of its citizens are respected throughout the deportation process.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations are calling for more robust support systems for deportees reintegrating into Ghanaian society.
As the numbers continue to climb, the issue underscores the broader challenges of global migration and the need for comprehensive immigration reforms that balance enforcement with human dignity.
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