Government Working Assiduously to Ensure Safe Return and Reintegration of US Deportees – Ablakwa
The Government of Ghana is increasing efforts towards ensuring the safe return and successful reintegration of Ghanaians who are being deported from the United States. This follows recent happenings in U.S. immigration enforcement, which have witnessed over 150 Ghanaian nationals arrested for sundry offenses including visa violations, criminal offenses, and overstaying their lawful stay.
Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has coordinated the government's response to this situation. He recently stated that 50 of those arrested have been served final deportation orders and will be repatriated to Ghana by mid-year. The remaining 100 cases are still undergoing legal processing, with some awaiting appeals or further processing.
Minister Ablakwa emphasized that care must be taken to protect the rights and dignity of these deportees. He reassured the public that the government is coordinating closely with U.S. immigration authorities to follow each case and provide consular services where necessary. Ghana's diplomatic missions in the United States have been charged with increasing efforts to lobby for humane treatment and legal counsel for the victims.
As a visionary move, the Minister proposed establishing a special Consular Support Fund. The fund would be employed for the provision of legal and humanitarian assistance to troubled Ghanaians abroad. The fund will facilitate embassies and consulates in relief in emergencies, cover legal fees, and offer affected citizens access to basic needs in such bad conditions. The government has already earmarked significant funding to kick-start this initiative, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting its nationals, regardless of their circumstances.
Beyond facilitating their return, the government is also focusing on the reintegration of deportees into Ghanaian society. Minister Ablakwa highlighted that deportees usually suffer from stigma, economic hardship, and psychological trauma upon return, and it is critical that they are given the means to begin anew. To this effect, the Ministry is working with lead agencies such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other non-governmental organisations.
Reintegration plans that are being undertaken include providing safe transport to deportees' destinations, temporary housing, medical screening, and psychological counseling. In addition, the government also wants to enable rehabilitation in the longer term by means of vocational training programs, skill development training, and exposure to micro-credit for establishing small-scale enterprises. All these schemes have a vision of making returnees economically self-sufficient as well as reintegrated socially.
Minister Ablakwa confirmed that no Ghanaian should be left behind or left to suffer hardships without government help. He claimed that it is the duty of the government to go beyond the geographical boundaries of the nation and include the welfare of all its citizens outside the country. He also called for a national discussion to address the root causes of irregular migration, highlighting the need to improve economic opportunities at home and improve public education on legal migration processes.
Overall, the government's multi-pronged strategy of deporting and reintegrating Ghanaians from America is a testament to its devotion to human rights, the welfare of citizens, and good governance. Through diplomacy, economic assistance, and holistic reintegration programs, the government aims to turn a crisis into an opportunity for national renewal and social cohesion.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0