The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised strong objections to an agreement between Ghana and the United States to receive third-country nationals deported from the US.
At a press conference in Accra addressed by Samuel Abu Jinapor, for Lands and Natural Resources Minister, the Minority argued that the agreement violates Article 75 of the Constitution, which requires parliamentary approval for all treaties, conventions, or agreements entered into by the Executive.
The caucus cited Supreme Court rulings, including Banful v. Attorney-General and Brogya Gyamfi v. Attorney-General, which reaffirm that even unsigned or informal arrangements require parliamentary ratification once implemented.
According to the Minority, they were not informed about the agreement through official channels but rather learned about it through the media. They expressed concern that some of the deportees have taken legal action against the government, alleging breaches of their fundamental human rights.
The group further criticised the Foreign Affairs Minister’s claim that the agreement, described as a Memorandum of Understanding, did not need parliamentary approval.
They insisted the Constitution makes no such distinction and called on the government to immediately suspend implementation until Parliament has ratified the deal.
The Minority warned that the arrangement not only undermines Ghana’s sovereignty but could also damage its reputation by aligning the country with US immigration policies, which have been criticised as harsh and discriminatory.