Sierra Leone seeks meeting over alleged mistreatment in Ghana

Sierra Leone seeks meeting over alleged mistreatment in Ghana

Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, Sierra Leone's High Commissioner to Ghana, has formally requested an urgent meeting with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following allegations of mistreatment involving a Sierra Leonean national by immigration officials in Accra.

The reported incident took place on November 11 at the Vicsem Hotel in Ogbojo, during an operation where officials were attempting to deport over 20 West African nationals. Video footage, which has circulated widely online, reportedly depicts a Sierra Leonean woman—one of the individuals awaiting repatriation—being forcibly removed from her hotel room by immigration officers.

The reports further indicate that Rabiatu Kuyateh, a nurse with 35 years of residence in the United States, allegedly suffered an asthma attack during the confrontation, as shown in the Ghanaian media footage.

In his official communication, High Commissioner Kaisamba conveyed deep concern regarding the safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean nationals residing in Ghana and urged the Ghanaian authorities to implement protective measures.

Furthermore, he requested a temporary suspension of the repatriation process pending the completion of a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Ghana Immigration Service has yet to issue a public statement concerning these allegations.