The government of Ghana has clarified that it never agreed to receive Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national whose deportation case has drawn international attention. The statement comes after reports that the United States considered sending Garcia to Ghana following unsuccessful efforts to return him to El Salvador.
According to Ghanaian officials, the country’s humanitarian policy only applies to non-criminal West African nationals and cannot be extended to individuals facing criminal charges. The government emphasized that no formal communication or agreement was ever made to accept Garcia.
U.S. Retracts Deportation Attempt
U.S. immigration authorities have now withdrawn their plan to deport Garcia to Ghana after acknowledging that the West African nation was not consulted or informed beforehand. A notice initially sent to Garcia’s legal representatives indicating Ghana as his next destination was later retracted, with officials admitting that it had been issued prematurely.
Garcia, who had previously been deported to El Salvador earlier this year, was later brought back to the United States under a court order. He currently faces human smuggling charges and has pleaded not guilty.
During ongoing immigration hearings, a federal judge questioned why U.S. authorities attempted to send Garcia to countries where he has no personal or national ties, including Ghana, Uganda, and Eswatini. His legal team argues that these moves are intended to prolong his detention and undermine his legal defense.
His lawyers maintain that he fled El Salvador due to threats and persecution, while U.S. officials contend that he violated immigration laws.
A ruling on whether Garcia will remain in custody while his case continues is still pending, but for now, the Ghanaian government has made it clear, he will not be sent there.
