Ghana has suspended citizenship applications for people of African descent as authorities move to overhaul a process criticised as expensive and difficult to navigate.
Since 2016, individuals able to prove ancestral links to Africa have been eligible to apply for Ghanaian nationality, a programme largely aimed at descendants of victims of the transatlantic slave trade. More than 1,000 people have obtained citizenship under the scheme, including African American singer songwriter Stevie Wonder.
However, the application process has drawn complaints from applicants over its complexity, tight deadlines and high costs.
Dr Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, which supports relocation to Ghana, said many applicants struggled to meet the documentation requirements, particularly the DNA submission timeline.
She told the BBC the requirement to submit DNA evidence within a week of applying was “impossible” for most applicants, adding that some also questioned the reliability of DNA testing.
Dr Bennet also criticised the one week deadline for submitting additional documentation, saying it was difficult for applicants to meet.
Cost has been another major concern. Applicants are required to pay an initial application fee of $136 (£100), while shortlisted candidates must pay an additional $2,280 (£1,700).
Successful applicants are then vetted, attend a one day citizenship orientation and finally receive their nationality at a ceremony overseen by President John Mahama.
Ghanaian authorities say the suspension is intended to make the citizenship process more accessible and user friendly before applications resume.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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