A group of 11 West Africans deported from the United States has filed a lawsuit against the Ghanaian government, alleging they were unlawfully detained after being sent to Ghana despite holding U.S. immigration protection orders.
The suit, filed in a Ghanaian court, involves plaintiffs from Nigeria, Togo, Gambia, Liberia, and Mali, who claim they have been held without charges and denied access to legal representation since their arrival.
The legal action follows Ghanaian President John Mahama’s confirmation last week that his government agreed to accept deportees from across West Africa as part of an arrangement with the U.S., where President Donald Trump has intensified immigration crackdowns, including transferring hundreds to third countries like El Salvador.
The deportations to Ghana reportedly began in early September, with the group believed to be held at a military facility, though exact details remain undisclosed.
“They are not charged with violations of any Ghanaian law,” said Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the plaintiffs’ lawyer.
“All were seeking asylum in the U.S., facing persecution for reasons like religion, politics, or sexual orientation.”
The group comprises four Nigerians, three Togolese, two Malians, one Liberian, and one Gambian.
Barker-Vormawor has sought access to his clients from the military but has been denied.Ghanaian authorities initially stated that 14 deportees arrived and would either stay temporarily under regional visa-free rules or return home.
However, Barker-Vormawor clarified that only three have left, with 11 still detained. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that 40 additional deportees are expected soon, emphasizing Ghana’s decision was driven by “humanitarian concerns” and not an endorsement of U.S. policies.
The attorney general’s office has not commented on the lawsuit. Barker-Vormawor noted that more deportees arrived on Thursday, but the transfer timeline remains unclear.
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