2 Comments Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior has ordered an immediate investigation into the treatment of a Sierra Leonean woman, Rabiatu Kuyateh, who was forcibly removed from her hotel by officials of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and placed on a flight bound for Sierra Leone.
The incident, which occurred on November 12, 2025, sparked widespread outrage after images of Kuyateh being dragged into a minivan by immigration officers went viral.
Kuyateh, who had been deported from the United States as part of a U.S.-Ghana agreement on the deportation of nationals, was reportedly in transit through Ghana on her way back to Sierra Leone.
The distressing footage, showing the woman struggling to break free as she is escorted by GIS officials, quickly gained attention on social media and led to condemnation from Sierra Leoneans worldwide.
In response to the public outcry, Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, confirmed that a thorough investigation had been launched into the incident.
In a media interview, Mubarak described the incident as “unfortunate” and said he had been in contact with the Ghana Immigration Service to understand the circumstances that led to the use of force against Kuyateh. He stressed that the investigation was a priority and that the Comptroller General of the GIS had been instructed to provide a report as soon as possible.
While the investigation is underway, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, has called for a fair and swift inquiry into the matter. In a statement, the High Commissioner expressed deep concern over the treatment of Kuyateh, urging that her dignity and rights be respected in accordance with international law and ECOWAS protocols.
Kaisamba also addressed statements made by Minister Mubarak suggesting that Kuyateh may have been experiencing a medical emergency during the incident. Without an official medical report, the High Commissioner questioned the validity of such claims, urging that only verified facts be communicated to the public.
“Our position is clear and firm: the dignity and rights of Sierra Leonean nationals must be upheld at all times,” Kaisamba said. “This incident has caused significant distress to Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad, and we expect that the investigation will reflect the seriousness of this matter.”
The High Commissioner further assured the public that the Sierra Leonean government would provide consular support to Kuyateh and any other nationals facing similar circumstances. He also appealed to Sierra Leoneans to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.
The High Commissioner highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and Ghana, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to work together to resolve the issue.
I don’t think Ghana should have in the first place accepted to have a foreign west African citizen deported to them. If for any reason they did, she should have been handed over to Sierra Leone high commission in Ghana. They had no business holding her to enforce deportation to Sierra Leone. Kuyateh should sue Ghana in the Ecowas court and human rights.
Some immigration personnel can be over enthusiastic in the discharge of their duties. This usually happens when officers are incapable of Professionally dealing with a given situation. I hope the matter is resolved diplomatically instead of going to court as this may strain relationships between the two countries.