The Ghanaian government has temporarily suspended citizenship applications for Diaspora Africans as it undertakes a review and reform of the process, which has faced criticism for being costly, complex, and difficult to navigate.
The programme, launched in 2016, allows individuals who can demonstrate ancestral ties to Africa to apply for Ghanaian citizenship. It was created primarily for descendants of Africans displaced during the transatlantic slave trade and has been a key part of Ghana’s efforts to reconnect with the global African diaspora.
The initiative gained worldwide attention during Ghana’s 2019 “Year of Return”, which commemorated 400 years since the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in the Americas. The campaign drew thousands of visitors, particularly from the United States and the Caribbean, and positioned Ghana as a symbolic homeland for people of African descent seeking cultural and ancestral connection.
Since the programme began, more than 1,000 individuals have reportedly obtained Ghanaian nationality, including acclaimed African American musician Stevie Wonder.
However, many prospective applicants have raised concerns about the difficulty and expense of the application process. Critics cite strict documentation requirements, tight submission deadlines, and high financial costs as major obstacles.
Dr Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, told the BBC that the requirement to submit DNA evidence within one week is nearly impossible for many applicants. Delays in DNA testing, international shipping, and verification make the deadline unrealistic. She also highlighted challenges in submitting additional supporting documents and raised questions about the reliability of DNA results.
Financial barriers are another concern. Applicants must pay an initial fee of $136 (£100), with shortlisted candidates required to pay an additional $2,280 (£1,700), a sum many critics say is prohibitive for ordinary members of the diaspora.
Successful applicants undergo a vetting process, attend a one-day citizenship orientation, and are formally granted Ghanaian nationality at an official ceremony presided over by President John Mahama.
Authorities said the temporary suspension will allow them to redesign the program, making it more transparent, affordable, and user-friendly before reopening applications. No timeline has been announced for when the revised process will resume.