Ghana high court to hear deportation case of eleven West African nationals

Accra, 19 September 2025 – The Labour Division of the High Court has scheduled Tuesday, September 23, to hear two ex parte applications filed by eleven West African nationals challenging their detention and impending deportation from Ghana.

The applicants, including Nigerians Daniel Osas Aigbosa, Ahmed Animashaun, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Taiwo K. Lawson, Liberian Kalu John, Togolese Zito Yao Bruno and Agouda Richarla Oukpedzo Sikiratou, Gambian Sidiben Dawda, and Malians Toure Dianke and Boubou Gassama, claim they were unlawfully detained after being deported from the United States, despite prior protection under U.S. immigration courts.

They filed for an interim injunction to halt their deportation and a Habeas Corpus writ compelling the government to present them in court and justify their detention. The applicants allege violations of Articles 14(1), 23, and 33(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, as well as the principle of non-refoulement.

Their lawyers, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, highlighted that at least eight of the applicants had previously been granted Withholding or Deferral of Removal under the U.S. Convention Against Torture.

The court adjourned to September 23 to hear the interim applications, after which the substantive case on the enforcement of fundamental human rights will proceed.