The Government of Ghana has confirmed that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally complied with Ghana's refusal to accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national at the centre of a deportation controversy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on his X page on October 10 that Ghana's position had been "duly acknowledged and complied with" by U.S. authorities.
"We also note with satisfaction that DHS has today taken the appropriate steps to inform Garcia's lawyers and amend court submissions to reflect the fact that Ghana cannot be an option for Garcia's deportation," Ablakwa stated.
He reaffirmed that Ghana had never agreed to receive Garcia, stressing that the government had consistently maintained its stance throughout discussions with the U.S.
"The Mahama Administration will continue to be transparent and truthful to Ghanaians at all times," Ablakwa assured, adding that the government's humanitarian policy of accepting limited numbers of non-criminal West Africans "does not -- and will not -- apply to persons from other regions or those facing criminal allegations."
The development follows reports that DHS had initially considered Ghana as a possible deportation destination for Garcia after failed attempts to return him to El Salvador, where a court order had barred his removal due to credible fears of persecution.
Garcia, who had been living in Maryland with his family, was previously deported to El Salvador in March 2025 under the Trump administration over alleged links to the MS-13 gang -- claims his lawyers have repeatedly denied.
He was later returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, where he pleaded not guilty.
Ablakwa said Ghana's firm response demonstrates its commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and international cooperation conducted "with dignity and transparency."
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