Rabbiatu Kuyateh, a 58-year-old woman, was deported from the U.S. to Ghana, a country she had no ties to, despite a judge’s order prohibiting her return to Sierra Leone, her country of origin. Videos show Kuyateh being dragged by individuals believed to be associated with the Ghanaian government. Kuyateh’s attorney said she had a work permit but never became a citizen and that the U.S. failed to provide proper notice and opportunities for her to seek protection. The Department of Justice stated it had no control over how another country treats deportees, while the U.N. has called on Ghana to stop deporting individuals from the U.S. if U.S. courts deem it unsafe.
Read More
A new lawsuit alleges that West Africans deported from the U.S. to Ghana were subjected to inhumane treatment, including being held in restraints for 16 hours and provided only bread and water during the flight. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of five migrants, details their detention in “squalid conditions” in Ghana and the threat of being sent to countries deemed unsafe by U.S. immigration judges. The plaintiffs, who are not Ghanaian citizens, seek to halt deportations and challenge the Trump administration’s practice of sending individuals to countries other than their own, which is in violation of rulings by U.S. immigration judges. The lawsuit highlights the legal challenges surrounding the deportation of migrants to nations that were not their country of origin.
Read More
An investigation revealed that discarded clothing from UK consumers, including items from major brands like Next, M&S, and Primark, has ended up in massive dumps within Ghana’s protected Densu wetland, a Ramsar site. These dumps, overflowing with fast fashion textiles, are harming local wildlife and polluting waterways, impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen. While some brands acknowledged the industry’s challenges and cited their take-back schemes, the sheer volume of exported textile waste overwhelms Ghana’s waste management capabilities. The situation highlights the urgent need for extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks to hold fashion companies accountable for their products’ end-of-life impact.
Read More
The recent news about the US threatening to pull aid to Ghana over an anti-LGBTQ+ bill has sparked a lot of controversy and mixed reactions. As I delve into this topic, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the priorities of governments, both in Ghana and in the US. The bill in question not only seeks to criminalize same-sex acts, which are already illegal, but also goes as far as criminalizing identification and supporting organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s troubling to see such a blatant violation of human rights being considered by lawmakers in this day and age.… Continue reading
Ghana recently passed a bill making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ+. This news is deeply troubling on so many levels, especially considering the myriad of pressing issues facing the country. It’s astonishing how something as personal and intrinsic as one’s sexuality can evoke such strong reactions and prompt legal action, especially in a country where there are numerous other urgent matters that demand attention.
I’ve always found it perplexing how individuals can become enraged over accusations of being gay, even when it’s entirely unfounded. The mere suggestion seems to elicit a visceral response, leading to heated arguments and sometimes even violence.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker