Economic Adviser to the Office of the Vice-President, Dr. Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has assured Ghanaians that the government has not compromised on the security screening of U.S. deportees, emphasising that national security remains paramount in handling the deportation arrangement.
His assurance follows the arrival of 14 deportees in Ghana, with about 40 more expected, as confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The development has sparked calls from the Minority in Parliament for the Foreign Affairs Minister to be summoned for questioning, arguing that the arrangement did not receive parliamentary approval.
However, Mr. Ablakwa has dismissed reports that Ghana had agreed to accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, stressing that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally complied with Ghana’s rejection of Garcia’s deportation.
Speaking with Selorm Adonoo on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 11, Dr. Khalid said the entire process is transparent, lawful, and guided by the national interest.
“None of this has been done in secrecy; everyone knows what is happening. In an era where new media is fast-moving, the geopolitical lines are very blurred; dealing with this, one ought to be prudent and tactical, and that is exactly what the government of the day is doing. But screening of these deportees is something the government never compromised,” he stated.
Dr. Khalid explained that the deportee arrangement involves thorough vetting and close coordination between national security agencies to safeguard the country’s security.
“These are all signals of geopolitics played in a tactical manner, legality, diplomacy, and compassion. If Parliament feels that there ought to be some scrutiny of it and they have called for it, I’m pretty much sure the Hon. Foreign Minister will avail himself to answer the needed questions,” he added.
He dismissed claims of secrecy surrounding the process, noting that all procedures have been conducted openly and with due regard for the country’s security.
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