The Government of Ghana has launched an immediate investigation into the alleged mistreatment of a Sierra Leonean woman, Rabiatu Kuyateh, following strong concerns raised by Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner in Accra, Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba.
Kuyateh, who was recently deported from the United States to Ghana under an agreement between both countries, was reportedly dragged out of a hotel by officials of the Ghana Immigration Service on 12 November 2025. Footage of the incident circulated widely online, prompting anger and calls for accountability from Sierra Leoneans across the globe.
Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, confirmed that his office has directed the Comptroller General of Immigration to investigate the circumstances surrounding the use of force seen in the video.
He said he has already engaged the Immigration Service to understand what led to the actions taken against Ms. Kuyateh.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” the minister assured the public that findings will be submitted “as soon as possible.”
In response, High Commissioner Kaisamba welcomed the decision to investigate but asked Ghanaian authorities to provide any medical reports supporting claims that Ms. Kuyateh may have been experiencing a health emergency at the time.
He reaffirmed that Sierra Leone expects the dignity and rights of its citizens to be respected in accordance with international law and ECOWAS standards.
The High Commissioner also urged Sierra Leoneans to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while the inquiry is underway.
He emphasized that Sierra Leone remains committed to offering full consular protection to its nationals and to maintaining the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
