Ghana’s President Grants Citizenship to 126 Diaspora Residents
On the evening of Wednesday November 26, 2019, President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, granted 126 people of African descent Ghanaian citizenship. This was an initiative the president announced on Independence day. He stated that there would be members of the diaspora who have been living in Ghana for many years, that would be granted their long-awaited citizenship during the “Year of Return.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Jubilee House to a packed crowd that included friends and family members who came to witness their loved ones being sworn in as Ghanaian citizens. Our team spoke with some of the recipients before the ceremony. Pauline Haughton, who previously lived in England, said she and her husband made the decision they wanted to move to Ghana and she was happy this day had finally come. Robert Michael Botts, is an African American who moved to Ghana several years ago from Atlanta, Georgia, and he was thrilled to be getting his citizenship. His family at first didn’t understand his decision to move to Ghana, but he said he loves the country and part of building the continent is in giving back and sharing knowledge.
As each person walked up to receive their certificate of citizenship the smiles and joy that overcame them was clear. Some were so overcome with emotion, they hugged the president. After the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo said, “I am glad you have decided to make Ghana your home, and thereby, join several generations of Diasporans, who committed their lives to us.” He spoke of the pan-African leaders and other notable persons who made Ghana their home including W.E.B. DuBois, Maya Angelou, George Padmore and Rita Marley.
The president also acknowledged the role Ghana played in having 75% of the slave dungeons that were built in West Africa, “That is why we had a responsibility to extend a hand of welcome back home to Africans in the diaspora,” he said. “Many have responded to this call, and the ‘Year of Return’ has so far proven to be a joyful and learning experience.”
As part of the ‘Year of Return’ this ceremony will be a legacy that holds a special place reminding us of the potential for all diasporans to make Ghana their future home.
To watch the video with interviews of some of the people who received citizenship, watch the video below.
**Originally published on yearofreturn.com
