In brief
In an effort to improve accessibility, Ghana has paused the citizenship application process for individuals of African descent. The program, which started in 2016 for descendants of transatlantic slave trade victims, has faced criticism for its cumbersome requirements and high fees. The government plans to issue new guidelines but has not provided a timeline, fueling uncertainty among potential applicants. Over 1,000 individuals, including prominent figures, have gained citizenship through this initiative, which was relaunched as part of Ghana's broader outreach to the African diaspora.
Ghana has paused citizenship applications for members of the African diaspora in order to make the system more accessible and user-friendly.Since 2016, those who can prove their ancestors came from Africa have been able to get Ghanaian nationality. It was primarily aimed at the descendants of those who were victims of the transatlantic slave trade.More than 1,000 people - including African American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder - have obtained Ghanaian citizenship in recent years. However, some applicants have complained about the number of stages involved, as well as the high cost.Dr. Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, mentioned that applicants struggled with the requirement to submit DNA evidence within a week of application, deeming the timeframe impossible for most. She also cited the application fee of $136 (£100) and a subsequent charge of $2,280 (£1,700) for shortlisted candidates as barriers to accessibility.They are then vetted and attend a one-day citizenship orientation before finally receiving their nationality at a ceremony overseen by President John Mahama.Bennet expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved and that the application process would resume. The government has stated that updated timelines and guidelines will be issued in due course, without specifying a timeframe. The suspension has caused anxiety for some potential applicants planning to relocate or invest in Ghana.Ghana's outreach to Africans worldwide is rooted in its post-independence Pan-African vision, and it was relaunched in 2019 as part of the Year of Return to revive global interest in reconnecting with the country. Today, diaspora members invest in various sectors including real estate, agriculture, tech, and small businesses, often seeking citizenship to own property, vote, and access public services. Other countries, such as Benin and Sierra Leone, also offer citizenship to people of African descent based on verified ancestral ties.
