The Member of Parliament for Yendi, Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan, has insisted that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ghana and the United States on deportations should be presented to Parliament for ratification, arguing that it constitutes an international agreement subject to legislative approval under the 1992 Constitution.
His position comes in response to clarifications from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has maintained that the arrangement is an MoU rather than a binding treaty and therefore falls within the remit of the executive at this stage.
The MoU has drawn public scrutiny following revelations that 14 deportees had already been received from the United States, including nationals from Nigeria and Gambia, sparking debate over its legal basis and the extent of parliamentary involvement.
Critics, including former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Owiredu, have also called for enhanced transparency and greater consultation with parliamentary oversight committees, particularly the Security and Intelligence Committee.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, September 18, Alhassan stressed:
“I think it is something that has to come to Parliament for us to ratify because it is an international agreement and international agreements can come in various shapes and forms. It can be by MoU, it can be by any means or form.”
He dismissed arguments that the format of the agreement exempts it from parliamentary scrutiny under Article 75 of the Constitution, adding:
“I don’t think the nature or the structure of it should excuse it from being captured under Article 75. So I feel that agreement [should come to Parliament]. It is not too late.”
The Yendi MP suggested that the delay may be linked to Parliament being on recess but expressed confidence that the deal could still be presented for post facto ratification when the House reconvenes.
“It is our advice that even when it is late, still bring it; we will give it that post facto ratification. Maybe it is also because Parliament is on recess…I foresee that when Parliament comes back from recess this may be brought for post facto ratification,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Minister has disclosed that Ghana is expected to receive an additional 40 West African deportees from the United States in the coming days.
