The National Coordinator for the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has defended the government’s decision to accept deported Ghanaians from the United States, emphasizing that the move reflects Ghana’s cultural values of hospitality rather than compliance with external pressure.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Mr. Vanderpuye addressed growing public concern over the repatriation of Ghanaians deported from the U.S.
So far, 14 deportees have arrived in Ghana, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, indicating that around 40 more are expected. However, the Minority in Parliament has strongly opposed the arrangement, calling for its immediate suspension. They argue that the government acted unlawfully by bypassing parliamentary approval, which they claim violates a Supreme Court ruling requiring all international agreements—including treaties, MoUs, and diplomatic notes—to be ratified by Parliament before taking effect.
In response, Mr. Vanderpuye asserted that the decision was driven by humanitarian and cultural considerations, not economic or political pressure from the U.S.
“Many of our people would rather remain in U.S. prisons than return home. They’re angry and feel abandoned. That’s understandable,” he said. “But as a country, we must ask ourselves—would we prefer they be dumped in places like Guantánamo Bay and face inhumane treatment, or do we take responsibility and receive them with dignity?”
Drawing from his personal background, Mr. Vanderpuye highlighted that his Ga cultural values of hospitality influenced his perspective on the issue.
“I was raised to welcome anyone who knocks on your door—offer them water, show them kindness. That spirit of hospitality is what I believe has guided the government’s approach to this matter.”
Nonetheless, he acknowledged the need for long-term strategies to address the root causes of irregular migration.
“We must focus on building a self-reliant nation—developing policies that promote peace and opportunity so that our citizens are not compelled to seek greener pastures abroad,” he concluded.
