Ghana Returns US‑Deported West Africans Amid Torture Concerns!

Ghana Returns US‑Deported West Africans Amid Torture Concerns!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa Reporter

Accra — In a controversial move drawing legal and human rights scrutiny, Ghana has returned eleven West African nationals deported by the United States to their home countries despite concerns they could face torture, persecution, or inhumane treatment. [1

What the Reports Say

• The group included citizens from Nigeria, Togo, Mali, Gambia, and Liberia. Lawyers argue that eight of the deportees had previously been granted protections by U.S. immigration judges to prevent their return home, citing serious safety risks.
• In court filings, counsel Oliver Barker‑Vormawor told a Ghanaian court that the deportations had already taken place over the weekend, rendering their legal challenge moot.
• Ghanaian authorities initially defended the move, stating that accepting the deportees was a humanitarian action, not endorsement of U.S. immigration policy. They also emphasized that they did not receive financial incentive from the U.S. for accepting the returns.
• A U.S. federal judge, Judge Tanya Chutkan, expressed serious concern about the deportation process, suggesting it may sidestep important legal protections against returning people to countries where they face torture. [3]
• Some of the deportees reportedly were transported under harsh conditions — including shackling or restraints for prolonged periods — and held in military or detention facilities upon landing in Ghana. [4]

Implications & Reactions

• Critics argue the deportations may violate the principle of non‑refoulement, which prohibits sending people to countries where they may face persecution. [5]
• Legal scholars and human rights advocates have described the case as precedent‑setting, warning that states may use “third country” deportation schemes to bypass constraints on direct deportation. [6]
• In Ghana, reactions have been mixed. Some political figures defended the decision as a pan‑African humanitarian gesture; others decried it as risky and undermining refugee protections. [1]
• Meanwhile, several deportees are said to have gone into hiding upon return to their home countries, no doubt fearing reprisals or harm. [7]
  Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/ghana-returns-us-deported-west-africans-amid-torture-concerns/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/africans-deported-by-us-ghana-risk-if-sent-home-lawyer-argues-2025-09-19/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Politico: www.politico.com/news/2025/09/12/ghana-deportations-torture-lawsuit-00561593?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. AP News: apnews.com/article/84722f8ac367ab761c4843203ab100a3?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/23/west-africans-deported-by-the-us-were-denied-their-rights-says-lawyer?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. PBS: www.pbs.org/newshour/world/immigrants-deported-from-u-s-to-ghana-are-sent-home-where-lawyers-say-some-could-face-torture?utm_source=chatgpt.com
7. The Washington Post: www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/23/ghana-us-west-african-migrants-deported/058d8dfc-986c-11f0-8ce3-5abc3053a693_story.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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