The Government of Ghana has officially suspended the processing of citizenship applications for the “historical diaspora,” descendants of Africans living abroad. The decision, announced jointly by the Ministry of the Interior and the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President, aims to overhaul a system that has recently faced criticism for being too costly and administratively burdensome.
The suspension follows years of successful outreach through initiatives like the “Year of Return,” which saw over 1,000 members of the diaspora, including global icons like Stevie Wonder, gain Ghanaian nationality. However, the government stated that the current pause is necessary to make the process “more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.”
Key issues driving the review include
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High Financial Barrier: Applicants currently face an initial fee of $136, followed by a substantial $2,280 payment for those who are shortlisted.
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DNA Requirements: Prospective citizens have complained about “impossible” deadlines, such as the requirement to submit DNA evidence within one week of filing an application.
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Complex Vetting: The multi-stage process involving orientations and vetting has been described by some as a deterrent to investment and relocation.
Despite the freeze, officials emphasized that this is not a withdrawal of Ghana’s commitment to the global African family. The Diaspora Affairs Office reaffirmed that the state still considers the diaspora as Ghana’s “17th region” and intends to resume applications shortly with revised guidelines and more realistic timelines.
The move has sparked mixed reactions. While some advocates welcome the streamlining of a “clunky” system, others worry the suspension creates uncertainty for those currently planning business ventures or property purchases in Ghana. Just last month, the country granted citizenship to popular U.S. influencer IShowSpeed, highlighting the ongoing appeal of the program.
This pause represents a critical transition in Ghana’s Pan-African policy. As the government works to balance national security and administrative fees with the vision of a “home for all,” the diaspora awaits a clearer, more affordable path to the motherland.
