In brief
In a bid to enhance accessibility and user-friendliness, Ghana has put a halt to citizenship applications for individuals of African descent. This decision follows complaints regarding the complexity and cost of the process, which has previously allowed over 1,000 individuals, such as Stevie Wonder, to gain Ghanaian citizenship. Dr. Erieka Bennet highlighted the challenges faced by applicants regarding documentation and the high costs involved, indicating that the government plans to update timelines and guidelines for resumption in the near future.
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, revealed that many faced difficulties with the requirement to submit DNA evidence and additional documentation on a short timeframe.
The application fee is set at $136 (£100), and shortlisted candidates must pay an additional $2,280 (£1,700). Following an orientation day, successful applicants are granted citizenship in a ceremony led by the President.
Bennet expressed optimism that the government would resolve these issues and restart the application process, which has left potential applicants anxious about their relocation or investment plans in Ghana.
Ghana's outreach to Africans worldwide is rooted in its post-independence Pan-African vision. It was revitalized in 2019 during the Year of Return, attracting increased interest in reconnecting with the country. Countries like Benin and Sierra Leone also provide citizenship to individuals of African descent based on verified ancestors.
