Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has explained that the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ghana and the United States on deportations does not require parliamentary ratification at its current stage.

Addressing concerns over the absence of parliamentary oversight, Mr. Ablakwa noted that the arrangement is an MoU rather than a binding treaty, and therefore falls within the remit of the executive under established conventions.

“As a nation that upholds the dignity and rights of all people, particularly those of African descent, Ghana’s actions were guided solely by moral responsibility, our legal obligations under the 1992 Constitution and ECOWAS protocols, and our Pan-African values,” he said.

He stressed that strict safeguards have been built into the arrangement to protect Ghana’s security.

“Ghana must first independently vet the background of all individuals the U.S. intends to deport to ensure they do not pose a threat. Under no circumstance will hardened criminals be allowed into our country. The Mahama administration will never compromise the security and well-being of Ghanaians,” Mr. Ablakwa assured.

The Minister further revealed that the MoU had already undergone review by Cabinet and the Attorney General, adding that the approach was consistent with precedent.

“I have inherited hundreds of MoUs from previous administrations which were not sent to Parliament for ratification. If this initial understanding evolves into a binding agreement, we will comply with Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution by submitting it to Parliament,” he said.

His clarification follows heightened public scrutiny after reports confirmed that Ghana had received 14 deportees under the arrangement, including Nigerians and one Gambian.

Critics, among them former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Owiredu, have questioned the legal and constitutional basis of the deal, citing the lack of consultation with Parliament’s Security and Intelligence Committee.