Stevie Wonder Granted Ghanaian Citizenship on 74th Birthday

By Caroline Ameh

Iconic musician Stevie Wonder was granted citizenship by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday, coinciding with the legend’s 74th birthday. The Grammy-winning artist, visibly elated, received his citizenship certificate along with a birthday cake adorned with the Ghanaian flag.

“This is it, congratulations!” President Akufo-Addo exclaimed as he presented Wonder with the certificate.

For Wonder, gaining Ghanaian nationality on his birthday was described as “an amazing thing” during his interactions with the media.

Born and raised in Michigan, USA, Wonder’s affinity for Ghana has been longstanding. Reports suggest that as early as 1975, amidst a successful music career, he contemplated relocating to Ghana, believing his ancestral roots tied back to the West African nation.

Although he remained in the United States, Wonder’s connection with Ghana continued to grow. He headlined a music festival in Ghana during the 1990s and expressed his desire to settle there. His affection for the country was fueled by encounters with influential figures, including the late Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings, whom he fondly remembered as allowing him to co-pilot a flight across Ghana.

Wonder’s decision to become a Ghanaian citizen underscores his deep admiration for the country’s rich cultural heritage and its significance as a hub of pan-Africanism. Adorned in a traditional kente cloth scarf and surrounded by his family, Wonder visibly embraced his new status with joy and pride.

Ghana, often hailed as a beacon of pan-Africanism, has welcomed several African-American figures seeking to reconnect with their roots. Notable personalities such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali have all made high-profile visits to Ghana or chosen it as their final resting place.

Since 2001, Ghana has granted descendants of Africans the right to stay, fostering a welcoming environment for the African diaspora. The “year of return” initiative launched in 2019 further encouraged Africans in the diaspora to relocate, resulting in over 300 individuals being granted Ghanaian citizenship.

In a statement, Ghana’s interior ministry hailed Wonder’s citizenship as a significant milestone, emphasizing the country’s commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions from the African diaspora.

Looking ahead, Wonder expressed his intentions to engage in initiatives aimed at creating job opportunities for Ghana’s youth, recognizing them as the continent’s future torchbearers.

“The youngest generation is in Africa. We need to begin to think about how their greatness can shine,” he remarked, echoing his dedication to contributing positively to his newfound home.