The Minority in Parliament has reiterated its call for the government to immediately suspend the deportation agreement with the United States of America (USA).

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, emphasised the need for parliamentary oversight of the agreement before the government receives West African nationals deported from the United States.

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“We therefore reiterate our call on the government to suspend, with immediate effect, the unconstitutional implementation of this agreement until Parliament has duly exercised its constitutional mandate to scrutinise, save, and ratify it or otherwise. We further urge government to provide full clarity on the processes safeguarded and other broader implications associated with receiving these deportees,” the group said.

According to him, the government’s decision to agree to the US deal without parliamentary procedure and scrutiny breaches the country’s laws.

“… The government's conduct in operationalising the agreement with the United States without parliamentary ratification is a direct constitutional violation of Article 75 and an affront to the authority of the Supreme Court.

“It is therefore deeply concerning that the government continues to operationalise the agreement with the United States despite the flagrant constitutional breaches. Such conduct reflects a lack of respect for the rule of law, which is one of the fundamental pillars of our constitutional democracy,” he said.

The group also raised concerns about the agreement, arguing that the move could negatively impact the country’s international relations within the African continent.

“Beyond this blatant constitutional breach, the agreement raises pressing concerns of sovereignty, security, and policy. While regional integration remains a core value of our foreign policy, it cannot be straight to justify the forced deportation of foreign nationals deported from other countries. The ECOWAS protocol on free movement consents voluntary travel, not forced deportations orchestrated by a non-ECOWAS state. On the international stage, the foreign policy consequences of this agreement are equally alarming,” the minority said.

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“Ghana has over the years built a proud reputation for principal diplomacy, rooted in non-alignment, regional solidarity, and respect for human rights. The decision to serve as a receiving point for West African deportees against their wishes with emphasis from the United States risk our country being perceived as aligning itself with the United States government's current immigration enforcement regime, one which has been criticized as harsh and discriminatory,” it added.

MAG/VPO

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