Ghana has announced a temporary suspension of citizenship applications from descendants of Africans living abroad, a move analysts say could undermine the country’s efforts to promote itself as a Pan-African hub.
A diaspora community refers to people who have moved from their ancestral homeland to other parts of the world but continue to maintain strong cultural ties.
The government in Accra said on Sunday that the pause would allow authorities to make the citizenship application process “more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.”
However, analysts told AFP that the suspension may also be linked to a planned review of application costs and the potential introduction of a requirement for applicants to prove African ancestry.
Ghana has long sought to position itself as a prime destination for the African diaspora, which it describes as the country’s “17th region,” and has launched initiatives to attract descendants of enslaved Africans.
International relations analyst Ishmael Hlovor warned that requiring proof of African ancestry could damage Ghana’s image as a welcoming home for Africans living abroad.
“While reviewing processes is understandable, imposing new demands on the African diaspora risks narrowing access to Ghana,” Hlovor told AFP. “It would not reflect well if Ghana moves from a very broad definition of diaspora communities to a more selective one.”
Meanwhile, Erieka Bennet of the Diaspora African Forum NGO suggested that the pause may be largely procedural.
“The suspension is basically saying that they are re-examining the process. It does not mean it won’t happen,” she said.
Authorities said applications would resume “shortly,” but did not provide a specific date.
Ghana began granting citizenship to members of the “historical diaspora” in 2016. Since then, around 1,000 passports have been issued, including to international figures such as musician Stevie Wonder and US celebrity Yandy Smith.
Last month, Ghana also granted citizenship to US influencer IShowSpeed following his 20-nation tour of Africa.
AFP
