By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Ghana’s hardworking Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Victor Emmanuel Smith, has led a delegation from the Ghana Embassy on a visit to Ghanaians detained at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Philadelphia.
The visit formed part of the Embassy’s ongoing efforts to engage with and support Ghanaians in the American diaspora, regardless of their circumstances. ICE operates several detention centers across the United States in collaboration with private prison companies, notably the GEO Group, which manages large-scale facilities such as the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, west of Philadelphia.
Under this arrangement, ICE pays the GEO Group per-bed, per-day rates to oversee housing, food services, healthcare, and facility management.
Upon arrival in Philadelphia, Ambassador Smith and his team received a detailed briefing on the detention center, which currently houses eleven Ghanaian detainees, including one female.
The detainees have been held for varying periods, ranging from as short as two weeks to as long as ten months.
The primary objectives of the visit were to assess the detainees’ treatment and health conditions, listen to their concerns, empathize with their situation, and encourage them to remain hopeful as discussions between the governments of Ghana and the United States continue toward resolution.
Addressing the detainees, Ambassador Smith noted that the Christmas season is traditionally a time of joy, reflection, and family togetherness, making it particularly painful to know that some Ghanaians would be spending the period in detention and away from loved ones.
He observed, however, that the detainees appeared physically well and strong.
He acknowledged the emotional and practical challenges many of them may face upon deportation, including the need to rebuild their lives upon return to Ghana.
He urged them to remain positive and hopeful, assuring them that they have not been forgotten.
“I know this is a very difficult moment for those being held here, and I want them and their families to know that they are not forgotten,” Ambassador Smith said.
“Our government understands the human pain involved, and we approach this situation with compassion and dignity.”
He further emphasized that detention or deportation does not define anyone’s future, noting that opportunities can reopen with time and due process. Ambassador Smith highlighted ongoing efforts under the Mahama administration’s reset agenda to create meaningful opportunities in Ghana for returning citizens to rebuild their lives with dignity.
“There is no shame in starting again,” he added. “As we reflect during this season, we are reminded to remain thankful and hopeful, even in adversity. Ghana remains home, and the future remains open.”
The visit underscores the Ghanaian government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to protect the welfare of its citizens abroad and maintain engagement with Ghanaians in the diaspora, regardless of their legal or personal circumstances.
By Enock Akonnor
Managing Editor
+233 541921562
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
