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Ghana has announced a suspension of citizenship applications from descendants of Africans living abroad, a move that analysts say could affect the country’s efforts to promote itself as a Pan-African hub.
The government in Accra stated that the pause is intended to make the citizenship application process “more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.”
Analysts suggest the suspension may also allow authorities to review application fees and introduce a requirement for applicants to prove African ancestry.
Ghana has actively sought to position itself as a key destination for the African diaspora, describing it as the country’s “17th region” and implementing initiatives to attract descendants of enslaved Africans.
International relations analyst Ishmael Hlovor warned that requiring applicants to prove African ancestry could undermine Ghana’s image as a welcoming home for Africans abroad.
“While reviewing processes is understandable, the new demands risk narrowing access to Ghana,” he told AFP.
Erieka Bennet of the Diaspora African Forum NGO, however, described the suspension as procedural, clarifying that it does not signal a permanent halt.
Authorities said applications would resume “shortly,” without specifying a 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 like musician Stevie Wonder and US celebrity Yandy Smith.
Last month, the country granted citizenship to US influencer IShowSpeed following his 20-nation Africa tour.
