US Deports West Africans to Ghana Despite Safety Concerns, Lawyer Alleges

West Africans Deported by US Were Denied Their Rights, Lawyer Claims A lawyer for 11 West Africans deported by the United States to Ghana has alleged that they were returned to their home countries despite many fearing for their safety. The deportees had been held in a Louisiana detention center before being sent back to Ghana. According to Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the lawyer representing the 11 men, they were initially told they would be released upon arrival in Ghana but instead found themselves detained in dire conditions at a military camp. "We have evidence that these individuals were denied their rights," Barker-Vormawor said in an interview. "They were not given the opportunity to make their own decisions about where they wanted to go or how they wanted to proceed." The US has been criticized for its deportation policies, particularly under the Trump administration's drive to increase expulsions. The country has sent migrants to third countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, and El Salvador, prompting accusations that deportee rights have been violated. Ghana's President John Mahama said last week that his country had accepted 14 West African nationals deported by the US and was ready to accept 40 more. However, officials initially claimed all 14 had been sent on to their home countries. The discrepancy has raised concerns about the transparency of the deportation process. The 11 men filed a legal case seeking to be released from detention, but their request was denied. Barker-Vormawor said his clients were being held in "inhumane conditions" and that he would continue to fight for their rights. Background on the issue shows that the US has been increasing its use of third-country deportations as part of its efforts to reduce the number of migrants crossing into the country. Critics argue, however, that this approach can lead to human rights abuses and neglects the dignity of those being deported. Additional perspectives come from immigration advocates who say the US should prioritize the safety and well-being of deportees rather than prioritizing expulsions. "We need to ensure that people are not sent back to countries where they will face persecution or torture," said a spokesperson for the advocacy group, Immigrant Justice Network. The current status of the 11 men is unclear, but their lawyer has vowed to continue fighting for their rights. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of deportees and the need for greater transparency in the deportation process. In related news, Ghana's government has announced plans to establish a new refugee center to accommodate migrants arriving from the US. However, critics argue that this move does not address the underlying issues with the deportation policies. The fate of the 11 men remains uncertain as their lawyer continues to push for their release. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration policy in the US. *Reporting by Theguardian.*