A Nigerian man, who was deported from the United States to Ghana, has shared a distressing account of being moved with five other deportees to Togo by Ghanaian officials. He claims they were transferred through an unofficial route, bribing local police, and subsequently abandoned in Togo without any documentation. The man, who wishes to remain anonymous for his safety, described the situation as dire, with the group struggling to survive in Togo due to language barriers and lack of resources.
The deportees had initially requested better living conditions in Ghana, citing the deplorable state of the military camp where they were held. They were reportedly promised a move to a hotel for improved comfort, but instead found themselves across the border in Togo. The Nigerian man expressed fears of returning to his home country, Nigeria, due to potential persecution related to his activism with the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement.
He also highlighted the severe impact of his deportation on his family in the US, particularly concerning his ability to support them and maintain his home. The deportee stated he was under US court protection that should have prevented his deportation. The reasons for his deportation have not been disclosed by the US authorities.
This incident comes amidst criticism of the US government’s “third-country deportation” policy, which has faced resistance from several nations, including Nigeria. While Ghana initially agreed to accept deportees from various West African countries, citing pan-African solidarity and free movement principles, opposition MPs have called for the suspension of such agreements pending parliamentary ratification. Lawyers for the deportees are reportedly taking legal action against both the US and Ghanaian governments, alleging violations of their rights.