Eleven West African nationals recently deported from the United States have withdrawn a legal petition filed in Ghana's High Court, where they had sought to challenge the legality of their detention and subsequent expulsion from the country.
The group, represented by human rights lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, had filed for an ex parte injunction in a last-ditch effort to block their removal. The filing requested that the Ghanaian state produce the individuals in court and justify the basis for their detention. However, the legal action was rendered moot following their deportation out of Ghana.
Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Barker-Vormawor expressed frustration over what he characterized as deliberate procedural delays within Ghana's judicial system, which, he said, effectively denied his clients the opportunity to be heard.
“The state sidestepped due process,” he said, accusing Ghanaian authorities of failing to uphold the deportees’ constitutional rights. He added that the group is now exploring the possibility of filing a case before the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, seeking regional redress.
Background and Legal Context
The deported individuals—comprising nationals of Nigeria, Liberia, Togo, The Gambia, and Mali—had filed suit against Ghana’s Attorney-General, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service. The suit alleged violations of fundamental human rights under Ghana’s constitution and international law.
The plaintiffs include Nigerians Daniel Osas Aigbosa, Ahmed Animashaun, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, and Taiwo K. Lawson; Liberian national Kalu John; Togolese nationals Zito Yao Bruno and Agouda Richarla Oukpedzo Sikiratou; Gambian national Sidiben Dawda; and Malians Toure Dianke and Boubou Gassama.
Their legal action was filed in the Human Rights Division of the High Court, arguing that the state failed to provide adequate legal grounds for their arrest and removal, and denied them a fair hearing.
Ghanaian authorities have yet to comment publicly on the matter.
