The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora as the government formally conferred Ghanaian citizenship on a number of individuals with ancestral and cultural links to the country.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Monday, the Minister described the event as a significant moment that reflects Ghana’s enduring connection with people of African descent across the world.
According to him, the conferment of citizenship represents the culmination of a thorough legal and administrative process through which qualified applicants from the diaspora have officially become citizens of the Republic of Ghana.
He emphasized that the Ministry of the Interior, working together with relevant state institutions, remains committed to ensuring that Ghana’s citizenship processes remain transparent, credible, and consistent with the country’s laws.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, government institutions are strengthening policies that encourage deeper engagement with global partners, particularly members of the diaspora.
He said the granting of citizenship not only provides legal rights and protections under Ghanaian law but also places a responsibility on the new citizens to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
Hon. Muntaka described the diaspora as an important partner in Ghana’s national development, stressing that their knowledge, investments, innovation, and cultural connections represent valuable resources that can help drive economic growth and international engagement.
The Minister further highlighted the historical significance of the ceremony, noting that it symbolically reconnects descendants of Africans who were forcibly taken from the continent during the transatlantic slave trade.
He said by welcoming them as citizens, Ghana is reaffirming that the descendants of those who were displaced centuries ago remain part of the nation’s extended family.
“This ceremony represents not only a legal act but also a gesture of reconciliation, healing, and restoration of connections that history unjustly disrupted,” he stated.
The Minister also referenced Ghana’s longstanding efforts to reconnect with the diaspora through initiatives such as PANAFEST, the Joseph Project, the Year of Return, and Beyond the Return.
He explained that the government is now moving beyond symbolic engagement to establish deeper and more structured partnerships through policies such as the Diaspora Birthright Certificate framework, which has received Cabinet approval.
According to him, these initiatives are designed to institutionalize the relationship between Ghana and the diaspora through enduring legal and policy frameworks.
Hon. Muntaka also pointed to growing international recognition of the historical injustices associated with slavery and the importance of reconnecting the global African family.
He noted that the African Union recognizes the diaspora as Africa’s “Sixth Region,” and said Ghana is proud to play a leading role in strengthening these ties.
The Minister encouraged the newly naturalized citizens to actively engage with Ghana’s institutions and communities and take advantage of opportunities to support innovation, investment, and social progress.
“Citizenship is not merely a legal status; it is an invitation to contribute to the growth, stability, and prosperity of the Republic,” he said.
He congratulated the new citizens and welcomed them home, urging them to become active partners in building a stronger Ghana and a more connected African world.
The ceremony brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, diaspora representatives, and other distinguished guests to witness the formal integration of the new citizens into Ghana’s national family.
