Ghana has temporarily halted its program that allows Africans in the diaspora to acquire citizenship, citing technical challenges and high costs. The initiative, launched in 2016, was designed to reconnect people of African descent with their ancestral homeland, particularly those affected by the transatlantic slave trade.
According to Business Insider Africa, the suspension comes as authorities work to streamline a process that many applicants found cumbersome and expensive. The program required multiple stages, including the submission of DNA evidence within tight deadlines, and fees totaling over $2,400 for successful applicants. These requirements made it difficult for many prospective citizens to complete their applications.
Dr. Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, noted that while the DNA process and application timelines were challenging, the government is developing a new system to make the program more accessible. Some applicants described the process as overwhelming, both financially and administratively, highlighting the gap between the symbolic goal of “returning home” and the practical realities of achieving it.
Since its launch, over a thousand individuals, including prominent figures such as musician Stevie Wonder, have successfully gained Ghanaian citizenship through the program. For many, the initiative has been a way to reconnect with their roots and explore cultural and economic opportunities in Africa.
Meanwhile, neighboring Benin is advancing a similar program called “My Afro Origins,” which aims to help people of African descent trace their ancestry and even acquire citizenship. High-profile personalities, including filmmaker Spike Lee and singer Ciara, have already received Beninese citizenship, highlighting growing competition among African nations to engage their diaspora communities.
Ghana’s temporary suspension of its Diaspora Citizenship Program highlights the challenges of reconnecting with Africans abroad. While the initiative reflects a strong commitment to bridging the gap between the continent and its diaspora, the pause underscores the need for transparent, practical, and accessible systems that work for all.
