Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, has corrected earlier reports suggesting that as many as 6,200 Ghanaians were at risk of deportation from the United States. Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 31, Ablakwa clarified that official information from U.S. authorities points to a far smaller number—just 156 individuals currently facing imminent deportation.

Ablakwa explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received official communication from U.S. officials in Washington, which confirmed the lower figure. He assured the public that Ghana’s government is closely collaborating with U.S. authorities to protect the rights of those affected.

“There have been publications suggesting that 6,200 Ghanaians would be impacted by mass deportations, but the official briefing shared with me by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the actual number is 156,” Ablakwa said.

The clarification comes amid heightened concerns over U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has ramped up deportations. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 3,500 undocumented immigrants since President Trump’s inauguration. Deportation flights are also underway, with U.S. military aircraft being used to return migrants to their countries of origin or third-party nations.

According to Pew Research Center estimates, approximately 11 million unauthorized immigrants currently reside in the U.S., which has a population of 341 million.

Source:TheDotNews