Ghana has temporarily suspended citizenship applications for people of African descent, aiming to overhaul the process to make it more accessible and user-friendly. This move, announced by the Ministry of the Interior and the Diaspora Affairs Office, addresses complaints from diaspora members seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
The suspension was formalized in a public notice dated February 1, 2026, and reported by news outlets on February 2. Authorities stated that the pause is part of a joint effort to streamline the application system, ensuring it becomes more efficient for applicants across the African diaspora. They emphasized that this does not signal a withdrawal of Ghana’s commitment to welcoming the global African family but is a step toward improving the overall experience.
Since 2016, Ghana has allowed individuals who can prove their African ancestry to apply for citizenship, primarily targeting descendants of the transatlantic slave trade. Over 1,000 people, including notable figures like singer Stevie Wonder, have obtained Ghanaian nationality through this program. The initiative stems from Ghana’s post-independence Pan-African vision, championed by first President Kwame Nkrumah and revitalized in 2019 with the “Year of Return” campaign to encourage diaspora reconnection.
However, the application process has faced criticism for its complexity and high costs. Applicants have reported challenges such as the requirement to submit DNA evidence within a week, which many find impractical, and fees totaling over $2,400. Dr. Erieka Bennet of the Diaspora African Forum highlighted that tight deadlines and concerns about DNA testing reliability have been significant barriers for potential citizens.
In response, the government has acknowledged these issues and is working on refinements. The Ministry of the Interior indicated that revised timelines and updated guidelines will be communicated through official channels in due course. Officials reassured that the suspension is temporary and intended to enhance the process, with applications expected to resume shortly after improvements are implemented.
The citizenship program is part of Ghana’s broader outreach to the African diaspora, fostering investment and cultural ties. Diaspora members often seek citizenship to own property, vote, and access public services, contributing to sectors like real estate, agriculture, and technology. Similar initiatives exist in other African countries, such as Benin and Sierra Leone, which also offer citizenship based on verified ancestral connections.
The suspension has caused some anxiety among potential applicants planning relocations or investments, but authorities have expressed appreciation for their continued interest. As Ghana refines its approach, this move underscores the country’s ongoing dedication to strengthening ties with the global African community while addressing practical concerns to ensure a smoother path to citizenship for future applicants.
