The Government of Ghana has confirmed that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially complied with Ghana’s decision not to accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national at the centre of an international deportation dispute.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced on his X page on October 10 that the U.S. authorities had “duly acknowledged and complied with” Ghana’s position.
“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 emphasized that Ghana had never consented to receive Garcia, reiterating that the government had maintained a consistent stance throughout its engagements with the United States.
“The Mahama Administration will continue to be transparent and truthful to Ghanaians at all times,” Ablakwa affirmed, noting that Ghana’s humanitarian policy—which allows for the reception of a limited number of non-criminal West African nationals—“does not, and will not, apply to persons from other regions or those facing criminal allegations.”
The development follows earlier reports suggesting that the DHS had considered Ghana as a potential deportation destination for Garcia after U.S. efforts to return him to El Salvador were blocked by a court order citing credible fears of persecution.
Garcia, who had been residing in Maryland with his family, was deported to El Salvador in March 2025 under the Trump administration over alleged MS-13 gang affiliations—claims his legal team has consistently denied. He was later returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, where he pleaded not guilty.
Ablakwa said Ghana’s firm response underscores the country’s commitment to upholding human rights, the rule of law, and international cooperation carried out “with dignity and transparency.”
Source:Africa Publicity
