Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, has led a delegation from the Ghana Embassy on a compassionate visit to Ghanaians being held at an ICE detention facility in Philadelphia, reaffirming government support for citizens abroad—even in their most difficult moments.
The visit comes amid growing scrutiny of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) system, which works closely with private prison operators, particularly the GEO Group, to manage immigrant detention centers.
The GEO Group is a major partner of ICE and operates several large facilities, including the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, west of Philadelphia, where detainees are housed under a per-bed, per-day arrangement covering accommodation, meals, healthcare, and other services.
Upon arrival, Ambassador Smith and his team were briefed on the situation of 11 Ghanaian detainees, including one woman, who have been held for varying periods—ranging from two weeks to as long as ten months.
The embassy team’s mission was clear: to assess the detainees’ treatment and health, listen to their concerns, and offer emotional support and encouragement as diplomatic engagements continue between Ghana and the United States.
Addressing the detainees, Ambassador Smith described the visit as deeply emotional, especially given the timing.
“Christmas is a season of family, warmth, and togetherness,” he said, noting that knowing fellow Ghanaians would spend the festive period in detention and away from loved ones was heartbreaking.
He added, however, that he was encouraged by their physical condition, observing that they appeared strong and well.
The Ambassador acknowledged the uncertainty many of the detainees face, including the possibility of deportation and having to restart their lives back home.
He urged them to remain positive and hopeful, stressing that detention or deportation does not define a person’s future.
“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 reassured them that Ghana remains a land of opportunity, highlighting the Mahama administration’s reset agenda, which is creating pathways for returning citizens to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
“There is no shame in starting again,” he emphasized. “While this chapter is challenging, it does not define anyone’s future. Ghana remains home, and the future remains open.”
The Philadelphia visit forms part of Ambassador Smith’s broader commitment to engage Ghanaians across the U.S. diaspora, regardless of their circumstances, and to ensure that no Ghanaian abroad feels abandoned.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the government will continue to work through diplomatic channels while prioritizing the welfare, dignity, and reintegration of affected citizens.
