Ghana grants citizenship to 155 diasporans

The Government of Ghana has officially granted citizenship to 155 people of African descent from across the diaspora. This follows the successful completion of the country’s application and vetting procedures.

The new citizens were sworn in during a colourful ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre, where they formally pledged allegiance to the nation.

Clad in a blend of traditional African clothing and formal attire, the recipients waved miniature Ghana flags as they took the Oath of Allegiance administered by Circuit Court Judge, Annette Sophia Essel.

The oath marked the final stage of the process, formally recognising them as Ghanaian citizens.

Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang later presented certificates of citizenship to the new nationals, assisted by government officials. The ceremony was attended by ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of diaspora organisations.

The initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to strengthen engagement with people of African descent worldwide and deepen ties between the country and the global African community.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the conferment of citizenship on members of the diaspora was more than a routine administrative process, describing it as a strong affirmation of identity and belonging.

“The history of the transatlantic slave trade remains one of the darkest chapters in human civilisation. Ghana has, therefore, taken a principled position that the Transatlantic Slave Trade must be formally recognised by the international community as one of the gravest crimes against humanity,” she said.

She added: “Our government is leading efforts at the United Nations to secure that recognition, not as an act of symbolism, but as a commitment to truth, remembrance, justice and restoration for peoples of African descent everywhere.”

According to the Vice-President, the ceremony symbolised the enduring connection between Africa and its descendants around the world, stressing that although history scattered Africans across continents, it could not erase their identity or sever their ancestral ties.

She further highlighted the important role the diaspora continues to play in Africa’s development, noting that diaspora communities contribute billions of dollars to the continent through remittances, investments, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

“These contributions sustain families, build communities and expand opportunities for development,” she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, however, emphasised that Ghana’s engagement with the diaspora went beyond economic considerations.

She explained that the government was strengthening a comprehensive Diaspora Engagement Policy aimed at transforming historical connections into practical partnerships in areas such as investment, entrepreneurship, education, tourism and national development.

Also addressing the ceremony, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, said the conferment marked the completion of a legal and administrative process through which individuals with strong ties to Ghana formally acquired citizenship.

He noted that the Ministry for the Interior and its partner institutions remained committed to ensuring that the citizenship acquisition process was transparent and consistent with the country’s laws.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak explained that the conferment granted the new citizens the rights and protections guaranteed under Ghanaian law while also entrusting them with the responsibilities that come with citizenship.

He described the diaspora as Ghana’s “17th region” and Africa’s “sixth region,” stressing that its expertise, investments, innovation and cultural connections were vital to national development and international engagement.

The minister also cited initiatives such as PANAFEST, the Joseph Project, the Year of Return and Beyond the Return as part of Ghana’s efforts to deepen engagement with the diaspora.

“The global community acknowledges slavery as a crime against humanity. Ghana is, therefore, proud to play a leading role in reconnecting Africa with its global family, demonstrating that citizenship can serve not only as a legal status but also as a bridge linking history, identity and a shared future,” he added.