Dr. Sharif Mahmud Khalid
The government is mounting a robust defence of its security protocols regarding the deportation of Ghanaian nationals from the United States, assuring the public that national security is “never compromised” despite political pressure and claims of a secret deal.
The assurance follows the arrival of a tranche of deportees and the expectation of more, prompting an intense pushback from the Minority in Parliament.
Dr. Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Economic Adviser to the Vice-President, confirmed the government’s rigorous vetting process during an interview on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
His comments come after the initial arrival of 14 deportees and the Foreign Affairs Minister’s confirmation that approximately 40 more individuals are expected as part of ongoing arrangements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Dr. Khalid firmly emphasized that every individual arriving on the chartered flights undergoes comprehensive security scrutiny by Ghanaian state agencies, irrespective of the geopolitical nature of the repatriation. This strict adherence is non-negotiable, even as the government navigates complex diplomacy.
“None of this has been done in secrecy; everyone knows what is happening. In an era where new media is fast-moving, the geopolitical lines are very blurred; dealing with this, one ought to be prudent and tactical, and that is exactly what the government of the day is doing. But screening of these deportees is something the government never compromised,” Dr. Khalid stated.
He explained that the deportee arrangement is a matter of “legality, diplomacy, and compassion” and involves close coordination between multiple national security agencies to safeguard the country. The vetting process focuses on criminal records, potential threats, and verifying citizenship documentation before final acceptance is granted.
The controversy escalated when initial reports suggested Ghana had agreed to receive Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa quickly dismissed those reports, confirming that the U.S. DHS formally complied with Ghana’s rejection of Garcia’s deportation after he was found not to be a Ghanaian citizen.
This successful diplomatic maneuver, the government argues, underscores the effectiveness of their vetting process.
Meanwhile, the Minority caucus in Parliament has been vocal, demanding that the Foreign Affairs Minister be summoned for questioning, claiming the deportation arrangement lacked the necessary parliamentary approval.
Dr. Khalid, however, maintained that the process remains transparent and lawful. He indicated the government’s readiness to engage with the legislature:
“These are all signals of geopolitics played in a tactical manner, legality, diplomacy, and compassion. If Parliament feels that there ought to be some scrutiny of it and they have called for it, I’m pretty much sure the Hon. Foreign Minister will avail himself to answer the needed questions,” he added.
These latest deportations are part of a continuous process under bilateral agreements between the two countries, which saw the U.S. repatriate 860 individuals to Ghana in the fiscal year 2023 alone, a figure reflecting an upward trend in ICE removals to West Africa.
The current arrangement, which involves chartered deportation flights, is mandated by international agreements regarding the repatriation of documented citizens who violate the laws of a host nation. The government insists that all procedures have been conducted openly and with due regard for Ghana’s security interests, dismissing any claims of a clandestine operation.
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Source: myjoyonline.com
