Victor Smith Visits Ghanaians In Detention Centre in Philadelphia
Ghana’s ambassador to the United States of (USA) Victor Emmanuel Smith, has led a team from the Embassy to visit Ghanaians detained in one of the Immigration Centre Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in Philadelphia, in Pennsylvanian.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is actively collaborating with private prison companies, primarily the GEO Group, to operate detention centers.
GEO Group serves as a critical, large-scale partner for ICE, expanding detention capacity to support immigration enforcement efforts.
The GEO Group operates the large Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a major ICE immigrant detention facility in Clearfield County at West of Philly.
ICE pays GEO Group per-bed, per-day rates to run facilities, manage housing, provide food, and offer services like healthcare.
Upon the team’s arrival in Philly, Victor Smith received a briefing of the center housing eleven Ghanaian detainees, including one female, for various lengths of time, the longest being ten months and the shortest, two weeks.
The purpose of the visit among others, was to:
1. Know how they were being treated
2. Know their state of health
2. Listen to their concerns
3. Empathize and encourage them to keep on until both countries, Ghana and US, arrive at a resolution.
Addressing the detainees, Ambassador Smith said Christmas is a season of cheerfulness and time with family.
Knowing that there were Ghanaians held who will be spending the period detained and alone was heartbreaking.
He noted, however, that they all looked physically well and strong.
Acknowledging that when deported, most of them would have to start all over again in Ghana.
He reiterated his call for them to stay positive and hopeful.
According to Ambassador, “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. Our government understands the human pain involved, and we approach this situation with compassion and dignity”.
“While this chapter is challenging, it does not define anyone’s future. With time and the right processes, opportunities can always open again. And back home in Ghana, meaningful opportunities are being created under the Mahama administration’s reset agenda to help returning citizens rebuild their lives with dignity.
There is no shame in starting again. As we reflect this season, we are reminded to remain thankful and hopeful, even in adversity. Ghana remains home, and the future remains open”, he added.
The visit forms part of the Ambassador’s plan to reach out to all Ghanaians in the American diaspora, no matter their situations.
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana/ Gifty Boateng