Ghana has put a hold on new citizenship applications for members of the African diaspora in an effort to improve the accessibility and overall experience of the citizenship process. Since 2016, individuals who can trace their ancestry back to Africa have been eligible to apply for Ghanaian nationality, primarily targeting descendants of those affected by the transatlantic slave trade. This effort has led to over 1,000 individuals, including notable figures like Stevie Wonder, acquiring citizenship.
However, many applicants have expressed frustrations regarding the lengthy application process and the associated costs. Critics have specifically highlighted the requirement to submit DNA evidence within just one week of applying as unrealistic, along with the relatively high fees of $136 for the initial application and up to $2,280 for shortlisted candidates.
Dr. Erieka Bennet, an ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, echoed these concerns, stressing that the short timeframe and high costs have created significant hurdles for potential applicants. Despite the ban, she remains optimistic that the issues will be addressed and solutions implemented to resume applications in the future. The government has indicated that further updates regarding timelines and guidelines will be shared 'in due course.'
This suspension has generated anxiety among potential applicants eager to relocate and invest in Ghana, a reflection of the country's ongoing effort to build stronger ties with the global African community. Ghana's outreach is rooted in a Pan-African vision articulated by the nation’s founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, and was revitalized through the 'Year of Return' initiative in 2019.
However, many applicants have expressed frustrations regarding the lengthy application process and the associated costs. Critics have specifically highlighted the requirement to submit DNA evidence within just one week of applying as unrealistic, along with the relatively high fees of $136 for the initial application and up to $2,280 for shortlisted candidates.
Dr. Erieka Bennet, an ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, echoed these concerns, stressing that the short timeframe and high costs have created significant hurdles for potential applicants. Despite the ban, she remains optimistic that the issues will be addressed and solutions implemented to resume applications in the future. The government has indicated that further updates regarding timelines and guidelines will be shared 'in due course.'
This suspension has generated anxiety among potential applicants eager to relocate and invest in Ghana, a reflection of the country's ongoing effort to build stronger ties with the global African community. Ghana's outreach is rooted in a Pan-African vision articulated by the nation’s founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, and was revitalized through the 'Year of Return' initiative in 2019.
