Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has justified the government’s decision to proceed without parliamentary approval in its agreement to temporarily host African nationals deported from the United States. He argued that the decision is grounded in a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU), which, he said, does not qualify as the type of agreement that must be laid before Parliament.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Ministry signs numerous MoUs every day, many of which are administrative and carry no legal obligations. Bringing all such documents before Parliament, he noted, would overwhelm the legislative process and cripple the country’s foreign policy operations.
“If you look at the work we do at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, on a daily basis we could sign about 50 MoUs. If we were to bring MoUs, which are not legally binding, to Parliament, it would be impractical,” he explained.
He emphasised that instruments such as notes of understanding and note verbales cannot be treated as treaties or binding agreements requiring parliamentary oversight. His clarification, he added, aligns with guidance provided by the Attorney General.
Mr. Ablakwa, who also serves as MP for North Tongu, further revealed that the Attorney General has notified the ministry of a legal action filed by citizen activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor over the matter. He cautioned that public discussions should therefore be measured and informed by the ongoing process.
Ghana recently agreed to temporarily accommodate African nationals deported from the United States. So far, the country has received 54 deportees—14 in the first batch and an additional 40 in a subsequent arrival—after offering to act as a short-term host for individuals from across the West African sub-region.
