US follows Ghana’s refusal to accept Abrego Garcia

The Government of Ghana has confirmed that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially complied with the country's decision to reject the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national at the center of a deportation dispute.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) page on October 10, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said that U.S. authorities had "duly acknowledged and complied" with Ghana's position.

He added that the DHS had taken the necessary steps to inform Garcia's legal team and amend court filings to reflect that Ghana would not be accepting Garcia for deportation.

Ablakwa reiterated that Ghana had never agreed to receive Garcia, emphasising that the government had consistently maintained this stance in all discussions with the U.S.

"The Mahama Administration will continue to be transparent and truthful to Ghanaians at all times," he assured.

The Minister further clarified that Ghana’s humanitarian policy, which involves accepting a limited number of non-criminal West African nationals, does not extend to individuals from other regions or those facing criminal allegations.

This development follows reports that DHS had initially considered Ghana as a potential deportation destination for Garcia after efforts to return him to El Salvador failed.

A court order had barred his removal to El Salvador, citing credible fears of persecution. Garcia, who had been residing in Maryland, was initially deported to El Salvador in March 2025 under the Trump administration due to alleged links to the MS-13 gang, claims his lawyers deny. Garcia was later returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, where he pleaded not guilty.

Ablakwa concluded by stressing that Ghana's firm stance reflects its commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and international cooperation carried out with "dignity and transparency."