Ghana Halts Citizenship Applications for African Descendants to Simplify Process

Tue Feb 03 2026 02:45:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ghana has temporarily suspended citizenship applications for individuals of African descent to enhance accessibility and reduce complexity in the application process.

Ghana's government has paused the citizenship applications for members of the African diaspora, aimed at making the application process more user-friendly. The move responds to complaints about complexity and costs associated with obtaining Ghanaian nationality, particularly from descendants of transatlantic slave victims. In recent years, over 1,000 individuals have successfully acquired citizenship, including notable figures like Stevie Wonder. Officials anticipate resuming operations with updated guidelines in the near future.

Ghana Halts Citizenship Applications for African Descendants to Simplify Process

Ghana has paused citizenship applications for members of the African diaspora in order to enhance accessibility and user-friendliness.

Since 2016, descendants of individuals who can prove their ancestry from Africa have been eligible for Ghanaian nationality, particularly those whose ancestors were victims of the transatlantic slave trade.

In recent years, over 1,000 people, including prominent figures such as singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, have obtained citizenship.

However, several applicants raised concerns regarding the complexity of the application process and the financial burden it imposes.

Dr. Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, noted that many applicants found it challenging to provide DNA evidence within the strict timeframe required, which she described as impossible for most. Some questioned the reliability of DNA testing as part of the process.

Additionally, the application fee is $136 (£100), with shortlisted candidates facing a further payment of $2,280 (£1,700).

After the review, shortlisted applicants are vetted and must participate in a one-day citizenship orientation before being formally presented with citizenship by the President.

Bennet remains positive that the issues will be resolved, allowing the application process to resume. The government has promised to provide updated timelines and guidelines, though no specific timeframe has been given.

This suspension has raised anxieties among potential applicants focusing on relocation or investment in Ghana.

The initiative to engage Africans globally aligns with Ghana's Pan-African vision, championed by its first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and was relaunched in 2019 during the Year of Return to rekindle interest in reconnecting with the country.

Today, members of the diaspora invest in Ghana's real estate, agriculture, tech, and small enterprises, often seeking citizenship to benefit from property ownership, voting rights, and public services.

Other African nations, such as Benin and Sierra Leone, also offer citizenship to individuals of African descent based on documented ancestral ties.