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Ghana Grants Citizenship to 126 African Diaspora Returnees

Ghana, A Place To Finally Call Home!

“Our people on the whole, have been so unaccepted around the world and to come to Ghana and have the government of Ghana, the citizens of Ghana, the people of Ghana open their arms to us and tell us, you belong…this is your right…it’s a blessing,” said Baba Ra El, an African American who moved to Ghana over eight years ago. He said that becoming a Ghanaian citizen was, “An exhilarating feeling, a feeling beyond words.” 

The Citizenship Ceremony

On the morning of Thursday December 22, 2022 the Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, organized the citizenship ceremony in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, Migration Unit. Also in partnership were the Ghana Immigration Services, Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat, who have been engaging with the diaspora since 2019 when the Year of Return invited the diaspora to come home.  There were 126 people of the African diaspora being sworn in that day.  “In the spirit and in the continuation of the Year of Return and Beyond the Return this occasion is significant,” said Akwasi Awua Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President. In 2019, during the Year of Return the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo also granted citizenship to those from the diaspora living in Ghana. That moment solidified the hope the historical diaspora has in making the African continent home.  

“We want everyone to know that what began in the Year of Return is very much alive,” Ababio said. “There are several other African countries they could have chosen to move to, but they chose Ghana, and we are grateful for that.

Becoming True Sons and Daughters of the Soil

Matilda Ribeiro, Second Court Judge, presided over the official swearing in of new citizens of Ghana.  Each of them shared an unimaginable sense of joy that they were now becoming true sons and daughters of the soil.  Some have lived in Ghana for many years and dreamed of this day coming to fruition.  This prophetic destiny was given to us,” said Dr. Toni Luck, who did the opening prayer and also was a recipient of citizenship.  “The African taken over ten thousand miles over treacherous waters, that promise of God to Abraham and his descendants was given to us.” 

Enacting the Homeland Return Act

Ababio, spoke about the Homeland Return Act, which is currently in parliament, and would be the key to supporting more people from the diaspora gaining the path to citizenship quicker and with less challenges.  He implored the Migration Unit to prioritize the Homeland Return Act in order to better support the diaspora who are looking to become citizens of Ghana with ease.  “I look forward to the Homeland Act has been enacted,” Ababio said.  It will play a central role in facilitating the process when the diaspora moves to Ghana and seek ways to become citizens.

Notable Personalities In Attendance

Notable people in attendance and participants in the official ceremony included Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, Ms. Fatou Dialo, Director of Migration Unit, Dominic A. Agyemang, Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Adelaide Anno-Kumi, Comptroller General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, Deputy Director, Diaspora Affairs, Nadia Adongo Musah, CEO, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, Head of Missions, Diaspora African Forum, Ambassador Erieka Bennett and Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Annabelle McKenzie.

Share your thoughts

How do you feel about 126 African Diaspora returnees being granted citizenship in Ghana this past December? Let us know in the comments.

Source : Beyond The Return

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10 Comments

  • The African Diaspora Group on December 30, 2022

    The pathway to citizenship in Ghana begins with obtaining Residency. To learn more about how to become a resident of Ghana, or to start the process, visit https://ghana.africandiasporagroup.com

    • Wesley Witherspoon on December 30, 2022

      This is great. Thank you Ghana for your support. Being Black in America is terrible. Everyone hates Blacks in America, including other Blacks. Ghana have revived my spirits. Being a Black male in America is so hard. Abused, ignored, discriminated, disrespected, etc. I hope to visit in 2 years. Thank you.

  • Kenshaka Koji Ali on December 30, 2022

    This is beyond wonderful. I too hope for Ghanaian citizenship in the near future and have already purchased land in Dodowa and Senya.
    I envision one day an Africa that fulfills the call of the great Dr. Kwame Nkruma and Bob Marley, that Africa becomes one united nation and thereby invincible.
    Congratulations to all the new citizens! I join you in Spirit!

  • Derrick Calvin on January 20, 2023

    How do I be a part of the movement. I would like to relocate as a part of the diaspora movement.

  • Chardon on January 23, 2023

    Just wanted info on link to apply for ghana citizenship

  • Irma on January 25, 2023

    How would one obtain citizenship for Ghana? What are the procedures for African. Americans in the states? What are the banks that are working with Ghana to secure a financial account fot it’s members?
    Thank you for allowing one as myself to comment or ask questions to support the YouTube clips of Beyond The Return.
    Again, thank you for helping US ALL TO RETURN HOME. AMEN.

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