A group of 11 West African nationals deported from the United States has withdrawn an ex parte injunction application they had filed at Ghana’s High Court, which sought to challenge their detention and repatriation.
The injunction, filed shortly before their removal from Ghana, aimed to stop the deportation and compel the state to bring them before the court to assess the legality of their detention. However, after the deportation was carried out, their lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, told Citi News that his clients had no choice but to discontinue the case.
He expressed frustration with what he described as systemic delays within Ghana’s judicial process and accused the state of denying the deportees their constitutional right to be heard, thereby undermining due process.
“They were denied their right to due process,” Barker-Vormawor stated, adding that the group is now exploring legal recourse at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria.
Background of the Case
The 11 individuals include:
- Nigeria: Daniel Osas Aigbosa, Ahmed Animashaun, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Taiwo K. Lawson
- Liberia: Kalu John
- Togo: Zito Yao Bruno, Agouda Richarla Oukpedzo Sikiratou
- Gambia: Sidiben Dawda
- Mali: Toure Dianke, Boubou Gassama
They had sued Ghana’s Attorney-General, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, alleging violations of their fundamental human rights.
In sworn affidavits, the deportees claimed they were forcibly removed from U.S. detention centers between September 5 and 6, 2025, placed in shackles, and flown to Ghana without prior notice or explanation.
Upon arrival, they allege, they were handed over to Ghanaian authorities and detained in what they believed to be a military facility, with no access to legal representation or judicial review.
Legal Claims
The group argued that their detention:
- Violated Article 14(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which protects personal liberty
- Contravened Article 23, which guarantees the right to administrative justice
- Ignored the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the forced return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution or torture
