Accra: An Accra High Court, Land Division, is set to hear two ex parte applications filed by 11 deportees of West African origin challenging their detention in Ghana following their deportation from the United States. The legal proceedings will take place on Monday, September 23, 2025.
According to Ghana News Agency, the applicants are seeking an interim injunction to stop their deportation to their respective home countries and a writ of Habeas Corpus that would compel the Ghanaian government to present them before the court to justify their detention. The injunction aims to halt the deportation process, while the Habeas Corpus writ demands a formal order for the government to produce the applicants in court.
The group of eleven includes Nigerians Daniel Osas Aigbosa, Ahmed Animashaun, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, and Taiwo K. Lawson; Liberian national Kalu John; Togolese nationals Zito Yao Bruno and Agouda Richarla Oukpedzo Sikiratou; Gambian national Sidiben Dawda; and Malians Toure Dianke and Boubou Gassama. The Ghanaian government has agreed to accept West African nationals deported from the United States, with 14 individuals already having arrived in the country.
The deportations are part of the US government's stringent immigration policies instituted since President Donald Trump assumed office in January. During a virtual sitting, Presiding Judge Justice Priscilla Dikro indicated that she needed more time to examine the applications before issuing a ruling.
Representing the applicants, Mr. Oliver Barker-Vormawor emphasized the urgency of the matter, arguing that his clients have been unlawfully detained. They have also filed lawsuits against the Attorney-General, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service at an Accra High Court, Human Rights Division, claiming violations of their fundamental rights.
Affidavits supporting the case allege that the deportees were secretly removed from U.S. detention centers between September 5 and 6, 2025, were shackled, and forcibly transported to Ghana without prior notice or explanation. Upon arrival, they were reportedly handed over to Ghanaian authorities and confined in a military facility without access to due process.
The applicants argue that their detention contravenes Article 14(1) of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, which safeguards personal liberty, and Article 23, which ensures the right to administrative justice. They also contend that the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents sending refugees or asylum seekers back to countries where they risk persecution or torture, has been disregarded.
Mr. Barker-Vormawor highlighted that at least eight of the applicants had previously been granted 'Withholding of Removal' or 'Deferral of Removal' under U.S. Convention Against Torture (CAT) proceedings, which prohibits their deportation to their countries of origin due to risks of torture, inhumane treatment, or persecution.
The deportees are requesting the High Court to enforce their rights under Article 33(1) of the Constitution and grant them immediate protection consistent with Ghana's constitutional and international human rights obligations. The court will first deliberate on the interim applications on September 23, after which the substantive case regarding the enforcement of their fundamental rights will be considered.