In 2016, Ghana was at the center of a heated debate when the government accepted two former Guantanamo Bay detainees—popularly referred to as “GITMO 2.”
The decision sparked outrage. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens all raised concerns.
Many questioned why a small West African country struggling with its own challenges would shoulder America’s burden by hosting suspected terrorists.
Yet, despite the uproar, the deal stood. The GITMO 2 lived in Ghana for years under government protection, and though the initial fears were understandable, Ghana eventually moved on.
Fast-forward to today, and a similar debate is resurfacing—this time about whether Ghana should accept deported citizens from the United States.
Reports indicated that Washington has been pressing Accra to take back deportees who have overstayed or violated U.S. immigration laws. Again, the debate is split between principle and practicality.
But here’s the question: If Ghana could accept GITMO detainees—foreigners with a controversial past—why can’t we accept our own people, regardless of their deportation circumstances?
First, the principle of sovereignty and responsibility comes into play. Every nation is obliged to take back its citizens, whether they left legally or illegally.
Refusing to do so undermines Ghana’s credibility on the global stage. If we could extend hospitality to individuals who were not even Ghanaian, why should we shirk responsibility when it comes to our own citizens?
Second, there is the matter of fairness. Deportees, unlike the GITMO 2, are humans. They may have broken U.S. laws, but they are still humans who may have committed a crime.
They belong here. Shutting the door on them is tantamount to disowning them. A country cannot cherry-pick citizens based on convenience or reputation.
Of course, legitimate concerns exist. Some deportees may return with criminal backgrounds or without resources to reintegrate.
That is a serious social and security issue. But that is where policy comes in. Rather than rejecting them outright, Ghana can establish reintegration programs—job training, counselling, and monitoring systems—to help returnees contribute positively to society.
Ultimately, the debate should not be about whether Ghana wants them, but about how Ghana manages their return.
If we could absorb the GITMO 2 at America’s request, we certainly can and should accept our own. After all, charity—and responsibility—begins at home.
Govt in secret agreement with U.S — Minority
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has accused the government of entering into a secret deal with the United States to designate Ghana as a hub for receiving West African nationals deported from America.
The caucus claims that, under this arrangement, 14 deportees have already been accepted into the country—a move they argue undermines the 1992 Constitution and poses risks to Ghana’s sovereignty and diplomatic credibility.
In a statement, the Committee’s Ranking Member, Samuel Abu Jinapor, cited Article 75 of the Constitution, stressing that no treaty, agreement, or convention signed by or under the authority of the President is valid unless it is first laid before Parliament and ratified.
