The government of Ghana has granted citizenship to 155 members of the African diaspora following the completion of the country’s application and vetting process.
The new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance at a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday, formally pledging loyalty to the republic.
The oath was administered by Circuit Court Judge Annette Sophia Essel, after which the new citizens received their certificates.
The certificates were presented by the Vice-President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, with ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of diaspora communities also attending the event.
Many of the new citizens waved miniature Ghana flags and wore a mixture of traditional and formal clothing as they celebrated the moment.
‘A declaration of identity and belonging’
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Opoku-Agyemang said the conferment of citizenship on members of the diaspora went beyond a legal procedure.
“It is a powerful declaration of identity, history and belonging,” she said.
She added that the ceremony symbolised the enduring connection between Africa and its descendants around the world.
The vice-president said the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade remained one of the darkest chapters in human history and called for greater international recognition of its impact.
According to her, Ghana is working through the United Nations to secure formal global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.
She said the move was aimed at promoting truth, remembrance and justice for people of African descent.
Strengthening ties with the diaspora
Prof Opoku-Agyemang said granting citizenship to members of the diaspora was also part of efforts to rebuild historical connections disrupted by the slave trade.
She described the African diaspora as one of the continent’s greatest reservoirs of talent, innovation and economic strength.
Diaspora communities, she noted, contribute billions of dollars to African economies each year through remittances, investments and philanthropy.
However, she said Ghana’s engagement with the diaspora was not driven solely by economic interests.
“Our relationship must be rooted in identity, belonging and shared destiny,” she said.
She added that the government was strengthening a Diaspora Engagement Policy to encourage investment, entrepreneurship and collaboration in areas such as education, tourism and innovation.
Legal process completed
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, said the ceremony marked the successful completion of the legal and administrative process required for individuals to acquire Ghanaian citizenship.
He said the conferment granted the new citizens all the rights and protections guaranteed under Ghanaian law, while also placing on them the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak described the diaspora as Ghana’s “17th region” and Africa’s “sixth region”, highlighting its importance to national development.
He also pointed to initiatives such as PANAFEST, Joseph Project, Year of Return and Beyond the Return as part of Ghana’s efforts to reconnect with the global African community.
“The global community acknowledges slavery as a crime against humanity,” he said. “Ghana is proud to play a leading role in reconnecting Africa with its global family.”
The government says the citizenship programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen links between Ghana and people of African descent worldwide.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
