West Africans Deported from US to Ghana 'Dumped Without Documents' in Togo
LOMÉ, TOGO - In a shocking development, West African nationals deported from the United States to Ghana have been forcibly sent to neighboring Togo, where they were left on the streets without passports or identification documents.
According to lawyers and deportees, eight to 10 individuals were removed from the US by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and taken to Accra, Ghana's capital city. From there, they were transported over the border into Togo, bypassing official crossing points, and abandoned in the country without any documentation.
"This is a clear violation of their human rights," said Kwame Akuffo, a lawyer representing some of the deportees. "These individuals have been stripped of their dignity and left to fend for themselves in a foreign country."
The latest chapter in the US deportation program has sparked outrage among human rights groups and international organizations. The Ghanaian president, John Mahama, had announced earlier this month that his country would accept deportees from the region as part of a deal with the US.
However, critics argue that the agreement has been mishandled, leaving deportees vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. "It's a classic case of 'out of sight, out of mind,'" said Dr. Kwame Adom, a migration expert at the University of Ghana. "The Ghanaian government seems to have forgotten its responsibility towards these individuals."
Background research reveals that the US has been deporting West Africans in increasing numbers over the past few years, with many facing difficulties reintegrating into their home countries due to lack of documentation and support.
In Togo, where the deportees were left without resources or assistance, local authorities have been criticized for their handling of the situation. "It's unacceptable that our government would abandon these individuals in such a manner," said a Togolese official, who wished to remain anonymous.
As the situation continues to unfold, human rights groups are calling on the Ghanaian and US governments to take immediate action to rectify the situation. "We urge both countries to provide assistance to these deportees, including documentation and support for their reintegration into society," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International.
The current status of the deportees remains unclear, with some reportedly seeking help from local NGOs and others struggling to survive on the streets. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, one thing is certain: the fate of these West African nationals hangs in the balance.
In related news, the US Department of Homeland Security has announced an investigation into allegations of human rights abuses during the deportation process. A spokesperson for the department declined to comment further on the matter.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
