Ghana has temporarily halted citizenship applications for individuals from the African diaspora to enhance the accessibility and user-friendliness of the system.
Since 2016, individuals who can demonstrate that their ancestors originated from Africa have been eligible to acquire Ghanaian nationality. This initiative was primarily directed towards the descendants of those affected by the transatlantic slave trade.
In recent years, over 1,000 individuals, including the renowned African American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, have successfully obtained Ghanaian citizenship.
Nevertheless, some applicants have expressed concerns regarding the numerous stages involved in the process, as well as the associated high costs.
Dr. Erieka Bennet, the ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, which assists individuals in relocating to Ghana, informed the BBC that numerous applicants faced challenges with the requirement to provide DNA evidence within a week of their application. She remarked that this timeframe was "impossible" for the majority and noted that some individuals also raised concerns regarding the reliability of DNA testing.
She indicated that the one-week deadline for submitting all supplementary documentation was hard to fulfill.
Another issue was the cost involved. The application fee is set at $136 (£100), while candidates who are shortlisted must pay an additional $2,280 (£1,700).
Following this, they undergo a vetting process and participate in a one-day citizenship orientation before ultimately receiving their nationality at a ceremony presided over by President John Mahama.
Bennet conveyed her belief that these issues would be addressed and that the application process would recommence.
The government has stated that updated timelines and guidelines will be provided "in due course," although no specific timeframe has been given.
The uncertainty surrounding the suspension has led to anxiety among some prospective applicants who are planning their relocation or investments.
Ghana's outreach to Africans globally is founded on its post-independence Pan-African vision, which was advocated by the nation's first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
This initiative was relaunched in 2019 as the Year of Return to rekindle global interest in reconnecting with the country.
Currently, members of the diaspora are investing in various sectors, including real estate, agriculture, technology, and small businesses, often seeking Ghanaian citizenship to enable them to own property, vote, and access public services.
Countries such as Benin and Sierra Leone also provide citizenship to individuals of African descent based on verified ancestral connections.
