ACCRA, Oct 11 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s government said on Friday that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally complied with its decision not to accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national at the centre of an international deportation dispute.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had earlier denied reports of such an arrangement, said in a statement that Ghana’s position had been “duly acknowledged and complied with” by U.S. authorities.
“We note with satisfaction that DHS has taken the appropriate steps to inform Garcia’s lawyers and amend court submissions to reflect that Ghana cannot be an option for Garcia’s deportation,” Ablakwa said.
He reaffirmed that Ghana had never agreed to receive Garcia, adding that the government had maintained a consistent position throughout its discussions with Washington.
“The Mahama administration will continue to be transparent and truthful to Ghanaians,” Ablakwa said, adding that Ghana’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 announcement followed earlier reports that U.S. authorities had considered Ghana as a possible destination for Garcia after failed attempts to deport him to El Salvador, where a court order barred his return due to credible fears of persecution.
Ghana has recently faced criticism for accepting some West African nationals deported by the United States.
Background on Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite a 2019 U.S. court order shielding him from removal over threats of gang-related persecution. U.S. officials later admitted the deportation was an “administrative error,” and he was returned to the United States in June 2025 under court orders.
Upon his return, Garcia was indicted in Tennessee on human smuggling charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers argue the charges are retaliatory, given his ongoing legal challenge against the deportation.
A U.S. judge has allowed Garcia’s legal challenge to proceed. His asylum request was rejected, but he retains the right to appeal.
