Stevie Wonder, the legendary singer-songwriter, was officially granted Ghanaian citizenship on his 74th birthday. At a ceremony in the presidential palace, President Nana Akufo-Addo handed Wonder his citizenship certificate, marking the occasion with a Ghanaian flag-adorned birthday cake.
“First of all, give all praise to God,” Wonder said during the ceremony. “Since I was a little boy, I always believed in my heart that there was nothing impossible. The spirit of the most high, our God, and for years since about 1972, I talked about coming to Ghana […] For over 50 years, I’ve talked about being a citizen in this country. The truth is I’m committed to—now as Ghanian citizen—being apart of fulfilling the dream we’ve had for so many years of bringing people of Africa, those of the diaspora, together. The only way the world will come together is that we unite as a united people of the world.”
President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana took to Twitter to congratulate Wonder on his monumental achievement.
“In conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon Stevie Wonder, we not only extend our warmest embrace to a beloved son of Africa, but also reaffirm our belief in the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and the global African family, and the boundless potential of our continent and all its descendants,” he wrote.
Stevie Wonder’s Long-standing Affinity
Wonder’s connection to Ghana dates back to 1975 when he first expressed a desire to relocate there. Over the years, his affinity for the country grew stronger, fueled by encounters with influential figures like late President Jerry Rawlings.
Flanked by his family and adorned in traditional kente cloth, Wonder expressed his joy at becoming Ghanaian. He sees his citizenship as an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s development, particularly focusing on creating job opportunities for Ghana’s youth.
Ghana’s initiative to attract diasporan Africans has seen over 300 individuals, including Wonder, granted citizenship, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reconnect with the African diaspora.