The renowned American singer-songwriter Stevland Hardaway Morris, widely known as Stevie Wonder, officially acquired Ghanaian citizenship during a solemn ceremony held at the Jubilee House in Accra. This significant event occurred on Monday, May 13th, 2024, coinciding with Wonder’s 74th birthday. The ceremony, graced by the presence of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, saw the presentation of a certificate of citizenship and a Ghanaian passport to the iconic musician, symbolizing the formal granting of citizenship.
Wonder, visibly elated, promptly took his place on the traditional “asesedwa” stool, a symbol of Ghanaian heritage. Additionally, he was honored with a kente cloth, representing the rich cultural traditions of the Akan ethnic group in western Ghana. President Akufo-Addo congratulated Wonder, presenting him with a certificate and a birthday cake adorned with the Ghanaian flag.
Expressing his gratitude, Wonder described obtaining Ghanaian citizenship on his birthday as an extraordinary experience. Although born and raised in Michigan, USA, Wonder has long felt a deep connection to Ghana, a sentiment rooted in his admiration for the country’s culture and people. His affinity for Ghana dates back to 1975 when he contemplated relocating to the country, believing it held ancestral significance for him.
Despite remaining in the United States and pursuing his musical career, Wonder’s fondness for Ghana persisted. His affection for the nation was reignited after headlining a music festival in the 1990s and during subsequent visits, including one where he composed his album “Conversation Peace.” In recent years, Wonder has openly discussed his desire to escape racial injustice in the US by relocating to Ghana, emphasizing the warmth and hospitality he experienced during his visits.
Wonder’s deep connection with Ghana was further cemented by his interactions with influential figures like the late President Jerry Rawlings, who granted him the rare opportunity to co-pilot a flight across the country. These experiences, coupled with his family’s presence and the ceremonial attire adorned with traditional kente cloth, symbolized a momentous occasion for Wonder as he embraced his newfound Ghanaian identity.
Ghana, renowned as a bastion of pan-Africanism, has a history of attracting prominent figures from the African diaspora seeking to reconnect with their heritage. Notable individuals such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali have all expressed admiration for Ghana’s role in the African liberation movement. Ghana’s progressive stance on citizenship, including the “year of return” initiative launched in 2019, underscores its commitment to fostering ties with the diaspora.
In recognition of Wonder’s citizenship, Ghana’s interior ministry highlighted the significance of his contributions to the African diaspora. Wonder, in turn, expressed his intention to support initiatives aimed at empowering Ghana’s youth and fostering their potential. With approximately 38% of the population comprising young people, Wonder emphasized the importance of nurturing their talents and ensuring a brighter future for Africa.
In essence, Stevie Wonder’s acquisition of Ghanaian citizenship represents the enduring bonds between Africa and its diaspora, reaffirming Ghana’s status as a beacon of unity and cultural heritage.
In 2001, Ghana pioneered granting the descendants of Africans the right to stay, setting a precedent on the continent.
Since then, Africans in the diaspora have enjoyed the privilege of residing and working in Ghana without the hassle of renewing visas or work permits.
Furthermore, in 2019, the Ghanaian government initiated the “year of return” campaign, urging Africans scattered across the globe to consider relocating to Ghana.
Over 300 individuals from the diaspora have been bestowed with Ghanaian citizenship in acknowledgment of their connection to the country.
In a statement, Ghana’s interior ministry hailed Stevie Wonder’s citizenship as a momentous stride in the nation’s endeavors to attract diasporan Africans and honor their significant contributions.
Expressing his commitment, Wonder outlined plans to spearhead initiatives aimed at generating employment opportunities for Ghana’s youthful demographic, which comprises approximately 38% of the population.
“The future lies in Africa, particularly with its vibrant youth. It’s imperative that we nurture their potential and facilitate avenues for their greatness to shine,” he remarked.
The renowned American singer-songwriter Stevland Hardaway Morris, widely known as Stevie Wonder, officially acquired Ghanaian citizenship during a solemn ceremony held at the Jubilee House in Accra. This significant event occurred on Monday, May 13th, 2024, coinciding with Wonder’s 74th birthday. The ceremony, graced by the presence of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, saw the presentation of a certificate of citizenship and a Ghanaian passport to the iconic musician, symbolizing the formal granting of citizenship.
Wonder, visibly elated, promptly took his place on the traditional “asesedwa” stool, a symbol of Ghanaian heritage. Additionally, he was honored with a kente cloth, representing the rich cultural traditions of the Akan ethnic group in western Ghana. President Akufo-Addo congratulated Wonder, presenting him with a certificate and a birthday cake adorned with the Ghanaian flag.
Expressing his gratitude, Wonder described obtaining Ghanaian citizenship on his birthday as an extraordinary experience. Although born and raised in Michigan, USA, Wonder has long felt a deep connection to Ghana, a sentiment rooted in his admiration for the country’s culture and people. His affinity for Ghana dates back to 1975 when he contemplated relocating to the country, believing it held ancestral significance for him.
Despite remaining in the United States and pursuing his musical career, Wonder’s fondness for Ghana persisted. His affection for the nation was reignited after headlining a music festival in the 1990s and during subsequent visits, including one where he composed his album “Conversation Peace.” In recent years, Wonder has openly discussed his desire to escape racial injustice in the US by relocating to Ghana, emphasizing the warmth and hospitality he experienced during his visits.
Wonder’s deep connection with Ghana was further cemented by his interactions with influential figures like the late President Jerry Rawlings, who granted him the rare opportunity to co-pilot a flight across the country. These experiences, coupled with his family’s presence and the ceremonial attire adorned with traditional kente cloth, symbolized a momentous occasion for Wonder as he embraced his newfound Ghanaian identity.
Ghana, renowned as a bastion of pan-Africanism, has a history of attracting prominent figures from the African diaspora seeking to reconnect with their heritage. Notable individuals such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali have all expressed admiration for Ghana’s role in the African liberation movement. Ghana’s progressive stance on citizenship, including the “year of return” initiative launched in 2019, underscores its commitment to fostering ties with the diaspora.
In recognition of Wonder’s citizenship, Ghana’s interior ministry highlighted the significance of his contributions to the African diaspora. Wonder, in turn, expressed his intention to support initiatives aimed at empowering Ghana’s youth and fostering their potential. With approximately 38% of the population comprising young people, Wonder emphasized the importance of nurturing their talents and ensuring a brighter future for Africa.
In essence, Stevie Wonder’s acquisition of Ghanaian citizenship represents the enduring bonds between Africa and its diaspora, reaffirming Ghana’s status as a beacon of unity and cultural heritage.
In 2001, Ghana pioneered granting the descendants of Africans the right to stay, setting a precedent on the continent.
Since then, Africans in the diaspora have enjoyed the privilege of residing and working in Ghana without the hassle of renewing visas or work permits.
Furthermore, in 2019, the Ghanaian government initiated the “year of return” campaign, urging Africans scattered across the globe to consider relocating to Ghana.
Over 300 individuals from the diaspora have been bestowed with Ghanaian citizenship in acknowledgment of their connection to the country.
In a statement, Ghana’s interior ministry hailed Stevie Wonder’s citizenship as a momentous stride in the nation’s endeavors to attract diasporan Africans and honor their significant contributions.
Expressing his commitment, Wonder outlined plans to spearhead initiatives aimed at generating employment opportunities for Ghana’s youthful demographic, which comprises approximately 38% of the population.
“The future lies in Africa, particularly with its vibrant youth. It’s imperative that we nurture their potential and facilitate avenues for their greatness to shine,” he remarked.
