The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency has officially sworn in a group of distinguished members of the African diaspora as Ghanaian citizens in a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
The event, which marked a significant step in strengthening Ghana’s ties with people of African descent across the world, was attended by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, along with government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the diaspora community.
Speaking at the ceremony the director of Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency Kofi Okyere-Darko disclosed that the office received approximately 3,000 applications.
After a rigorous review and vetting process, 150 applicants were approved and officially sworn in during the ceremony.
He described the moment as a historic and symbolic milestone for people of African descent, emphasising that the initiative reflects a renewed sense of unity and belonging among Black people globally.
According to Kofi Okyere-Darko the programme represents both a reflection on the present moment and a vision for the future of Africa and its diaspora.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, also addressed the gathering, outlining the detailed procedures applicants went through before receiving approval.
He explained that Ghana maintains strict standards in granting citizenship noting that the country holds its citizenship in very high esteem which necessitates a thorough evaluation process for all applicants.
In her remarks Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the critical role of the diaspora in Africa’s development.
She reiterated the government’s recognition of the African Diaspora as the “sixth region” of Africa, stressing that Ghana remains committed to welcoming people of African heritage who seek to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
The official Oath of Allegiance was administered by Annette Sophia Essel, a Circuit Court Judge of Ghana.
The oath formally confirmed the new citizens’ commitment and allegiance to the Republic of Ghana.
The swearing-in ceremony represents another milestone in Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen relationships with the African Diaspora, building on initiatives aimed at encouraging reconnection, cultural exchange, and long-term investment in the country.