Ghana has temporarily suspended its citizenship application process for members of the African diaspora to make the system more accessible and user-friendly. Since 2016, individuals who can prove African ancestry, particularly descendants of those affected by the transatlantic slave trade, have been eligible to apply for Ghanaian nationality.

Over 1,000 people, including notable figures like American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, have successfully obtained Ghanaian citizenship in recent years. However, applicants have raised concerns over the complexity, multiple stages, and high costs associated with the process.

Dr Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, which supports relocation to Ghana, told the BBC that many applicants struggle to submit required DNA evidence within the one-week deadline and questioned the reliability of the tests. She noted that additional fees further complicate the process. The application costs $136, and shortlisted candidates are required to pay an additional $2,280 before attending a one-day citizenship orientation. Citizenship is formally granted during a ceremony overseen by President John Mahama.

The Ghanaian government has stated that updated timelines and guidelines will be issued in due course, although no specific timeframe has been provided. The temporary suspension has caused uncertainty for potential applicants planning relocation or investments in Ghana.

Ghana’s outreach to the African diaspora reflects its post-independence Pan-African vision championed by the country’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and was relaunched in 2019 as the Year of Return initiative. Diaspora members invest in sectors such as real estate, agriculture, technology, and small businesses, often seeking citizenship to access public services, vote, and legally own property.

Other African nations, including Benin and Sierra Leone, also provide citizenship to people of African descent based on verified ancestral ties.

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Over the last 32 years, more than $250 billion in investment has flowed into Africa. This figure highlights the growing confidence in the continent’s potential. However, Cardoso cautioned that Africa must go beyond attracting capital it must channel these funds into sustainable, inclusive development. Local expertise, innovation, and policy reforms, he said, will be the true drivers of transformation. He called for increased support for small businesses, infrastructure, and financial systems that empower citizens.

Africa’s economic resilience has been tested repeatedly by global disruptions, yet the continent continues to show strength. According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s GDP is projected to grow by 4% in 2025. Key growth sectors include digital technology, clean energy, and intra-African trade. Cardoso highlighted that regional initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are already improving trade efficiency and reducing reliance on foreign currencies.

Cardoso also addressed the critical role of the African diaspora. In 2023 alone, over $54 billion in remittances was sent back to the continent, according to World Bank data. These funds, he said, must be viewed not just as financial aid, but as vital capital for development. With the right policies, diaspora contributions can help scale local enterprises, invest in education, and close infrastructure gaps. Cardoso urged leaders to engage the diaspora as active partners in shaping Africa’s future.

Closing his remarks, Cardoso called for bold institutional reforms, stronger governance, and financial transparency. He reiterated the CBN’s commitment to exchange rate reform, digital banking expansion, and inclusive finance. Ultimately, he argued, Africa must move from dependency to leadership. With united efforts and African-led strategies, the continent can take charge of its development and achieve lasting prosperity on its own terms.

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