Stevie on the Wonder of becoming a Ghanaian citizen
Stevie Wonder has announced his decision to become a Ghanaian citizen, driven by his admiration for the country and its people.
This announcement aligns with his deep connection to Africa and his desire to contribute positively to the continent. He has expressed excitement about this new chapter and his commitment to being part of Ghana's future, emphasizing the cultural and emotional ties he feels with the country
This decision comes amid his continued advocacy for social justice and equality, values that resonate with Ghana's own historical and contemporary struggles and aspirations. Wonder's move also highlights the broader trend of African Americans reconnecting with their ancestral roots and contributing to the development of African nations
Legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder is now officially a Ghanaian citizen.
This decision highlights Wonder's deep admiration for Ghana and his long-standing connection to Africa. He has expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his life, indicating a strong desire to contribute to the country's future. Wonder's move underscores the broader trend of African Americans reconnecting with their ancestral roots and supporting the development of African nations
On May 13, 2024, Stevie Wonder was officially granted citizenship of Ghana by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The ceremony, which took place on Wonder's 74th birthday, was held at the presidential palace. President Akufo-Addo presented Wonder with a certificate of citizenship and a birthday cake adorned with the Ghanaian flag.
This event marked a significant moment for Wonder, who has long expressed admiration for Ghana and its culture
On his 74th birthday, legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder was officially granted Ghanaian citizenship by President Nana Akufo-Addo. During a ceremony at the presidential palace, Wonder received his citizenship certificate and was presented with a birthday cake adorned with the Ghanaian flag. Wonder expressed his joy to the BBC, calling the experience of becoming a Ghanaian citizen on his birthday an "amazing thing"
Stevie Wonder, born and raised in Michigan, USA, has long held a deep affinity for Ghana. His connection to the West African nation spans several decades. In 1975, after achieving significant success in the music industry, Wonder expressed a desire to quit music and move to Ghana.
Reports suggest that he believed his ancestral roots could be traced back to the country, which fueled his interest and connection to Ghana.
Stevie Wonder remained in the United States and continued his musical career, but his connection to Ghana persisted. In the 1990s, after headlining a music festival in Ghana, Wonder again expressed his desire to make the country his home. During a later visit to Ghana, he wrote the entirety of his album "Conversation Peace" .
In an interview three years ago, Wonder reiterated his intention to move to Ghana, citing the need to escape racial injustice in the United States. This move reflects his ongoing commitment to reconnecting with his ancestral roots and his admiration for
Stevie Wonder's deep connection to Ghana was significantly influenced by the people he met there. One notable encounter was with the late Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings. During the 1990s, Rawlings hosted Wonder at the presidential residence, and the two shared a memorable experience.
Wonder recounted to the BBC that Rawlings allowed him to co-pilot a flight across Ghana, from the north to the south. Wonder described this experience as "amazing," highlighting the special bond he formed with the country and its leaders .
Flanked by his family and wearing a traditional kente cloth scarf, Stevie Wonder was visibly delighted as he became a Ghanaian citizen. Ghana has a rich history of promoting pan-Africanism, a vision strongly supported by its founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, who referred to Ghana as a "Black Mecca"
Wonder joins a legacy of African-American icons who have celebrated Ghana's pan-African message. Notable figures include writer W.E.B. Du Bois, who moved to Ghana and was buried there in 1963, and civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali, who all visited the country to reconnect with their African heritage.
In 2001, Ghana became the first African nation to grant descendants of Africans the right to stay, allowing them to live and work without needing to renew visas or work permits.
This policy reflects Ghana's commitment to pan-Africanism and its welcoming attitude toward the African diaspora. In 2019, the Ghanaian government launched the "Year of Return" initiative to encourage Africans in the diaspora to relocate to Ghana, marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in America.
This initiative has been successful, with over 300 Africans in the diaspora being granted Ghanaian citizenship since " he said
Stevie Wonder's acquisition of Ghanaian citizenship is a "significant milestone" in Ghana's efforts to attract Africans in the diaspora and honor their contributions, according to a statement from Ghana's interior ministry. Wonder has expressed his intention to engage in initiatives that will create job opportunities for Ghana's youth, who constitute approximately 38% of the population.
He emphasized the importance of nurturing the potential of the youngest generation in Africa, stating, "We need to begin to think about how their greatness can shine"
