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Yendi MP Calls for Parliamentary Ratification of U.S. Deportee Agreement
September 18, 2025
The Member of Parliament for Yendi, Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan, has insisted that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ghana and the United States on deportations must be presented to Parliament for ratification, arguing it qualifies as an international agreement under Ghana’s Constitution.
Speaking on Channel One TV observed by vistanewsgh.com, Alhassan stressed that Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution requires parliamentary approval for all international agreements, regardless of whether they are labeled as treaties or executive agreements.
“I think it is something that has to come to Parliament for us to ratify because it is an international agreement and international agreements can come in various shapes and forms… I don’t think the nature or the structure of it should excuse it from being captured under Article 75,” he said.
His comments follow clarification from Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who explained that the current MoU does not need immediate ratification because it is not a binding treaty. The debate intensified after Ghana received 14 deportees from the U.S., including nationals of Nigeria and Gambia, sparking public calls for transparency.
Former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Owiredu and other critics have also urged greater parliamentary oversight, particularly by the Security and Intelligence Committee.
Alhassan suggested the delay may be due to Parliament’s recess but maintained that post-facto ratification remains an option.
“Even when it is late, still bring it; we will give it that post-facto ratification,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Minister has disclosed that an additional 40 West African deportees are expected to arrive from the United States in the coming days.
