We want to reconnect with our ancestors. Her boyfriend is from Ghana. The US allows multiple Citizenship. Most people just have two hence the common term "dual citizenships". Secondly, the US does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship when you naturalize in the US;Third if you are a US citizen who subsequently becomes a citizen of a foreign country; serve in foreign military etc. (se. s. Ghanas courtship of African Americans has grown from one based mostly on solidarity in the face of black oppression to one also based on business and Isaiah became a citizen of Sierra Leone, after finding that he is a decedent of the Mende ethnic group and has since been contributing towards the development of the country. How Trumps tweets and Cardi B are making more Americans move to Ghana, We want to remind our kin over there that there is a place you can escape to, said Akwasi Agyeman, chief executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority. And that matters. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Congrats Tiff.#EritreaShinesAt28 pic.twitter.com/Q8qCcCI6IL, Although not an American, actorIdris Elbawas given citizenship of his fathers native country on his first visit to Sierra Leone. Does that mean that we all should not enjoy the benefits from generations past? +(233) 299 01 59 34 $250.00 CASHIERS CHEQUE PAYABLE TO THE EMBASSY OF GHANA (FEES ARE NON REFUNDABLE ONCE THE FORM IS PURCHASED). I hope that this helps you and those who read this message a bit more about some of the feelings that African-Americans have had for centuries. They have been thinking that having a Plan can be a sort of Box M42, The new countries to be put on the dual citizenship list include 19 in Africa, 12 in South America, and 12 in the Caribbeans. Two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre became Ghanaian citizens, the Justice for Its still burning. Fletcher repeated the oath quietly, with her grandson Ike Howard at her side echoing each word loudly: I swear solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithfully bear true allegiance to the Republic of Ghana and I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the Republic of Ghana, so help me God.. Perhaps landlocked countries that had fewer slaves feel that there is less linkage to African-Americans or perhaps there is the larger question involved as Anor, editor of Asante magazine aptly notes, Just because your genetics show you came from a place, should that mean you can lay claim to that group of people or place now?. You do not have to stay where you are not wanted forever.. Recently, Ghana held a mass ceremony in which 126 African-Americans and Afro-Caribbeans took Ghanaian nationality as part of the countrys Year of Return WebGuidelines Applicants are required to complete a Dual Nationality Application Form at a cost of $200. A status similar to OCI would be suitable and perhaps more palatable for African leaders rather then conceding dual nationality with the same rights as a citizen. LIST OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES WITH DUAL CITIZENSHIP A. It will also increase ties and trade between America and that respective country. In a ceremony Tuesday at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, two of the last known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre received citizenship of the Republic of Ghana, where they had previously been crowned Ghanaian royalty. AFRICA IM OFFICIAL!! The effort grew out of a public campaign called the Year of Return, which attracted a record number of tourists to the West African country last year four centuries after the first slave ship reached Virginia and aims to convert visitors to residents with special land deals, expatriate guides and easier paths to citizenship. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Then something felt familiar like home and thats when I made the connection: Oh, this is what its like to just walk.. SAD! The movement stalled after a coup ousted Nkrumah in 1966 and autocracy swept much of the continent. While Africans had been in other parts of the Americas region (including the present-day United States) before 1619, that year is widely regarded as the commencement of the slave trade in the US. Polly craves the rooftops, the ocean, the pineapples she swears are uniquely tasty, the relaxation she rarely finds in the United States. Minister In accordance with the Citizenship Act of 2002 (Act 591), Ghanaians who have acquired US Citizenship, are eligible to apply for dual citizenship. Survivor of 1921 Tulsa race massacre 100 year-old Hughes Van Ellis (2L) sit next to sister 107 year-old Viola Ford Fetcher and family members during a service at Action Chapel International church in Accra, on August 15, 2021 to mark a connection with their "motherland. Do I want to have the feeling of being free and excited and curious? Polly said. We may earn a commission from links on this page. When African countries say that African-Americans cannot become FULL citizens because we have not been there for generations, it sounds and is absolutely preposterous! If citizenship is granted at the local level, than it should be the predominant language of that country that is required. Given Indias situation, it would be problematic forIndia to incorporate that many people of Indian origin in to their already large population as full citizens. People that hold OCI status may not vote orhold Indian passports. pic.twitter.com/p2wmwzZMUP. Just like any other person who reaps the benefits of their ancestors, so should the descendants of Africa who were enslaved. Ellis and Fletcher, alongside the third survivor Lessie Benningfield Randle, sued Tulsa and the local government in 2021 for a reparations fund. They may also notoccupy constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or legislative posts (See: Passport and Citizenship Dual Nationality). The current reluctance of countries like Tanzania to grant African Americans dual citizenship stems from their past distrust of Indian residents. Youve been kept down for much too long. But brace yourself: The process of obtaining dual citizenship can be quite tedious, fraught with red tape and byzantine rules. PHOTOCOPY OF THE BIOPAGE OF GHANAIAN PASSPORT (EVEN IF EXPIRED), 4. Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain said the number of countries where Bangladeshis were allowed to hold dual citizenship was 57 but expatriates in many other countries wanted the facility. Im scouring my house, purging it, throwing everything away, she said. With Africabeing the cradle of the humanity, essentially,anyone in the world could lay claims to African citizenship. Accra-Ghana, Front Desk: I feel like a king, Ellis said. I am thankful for the opportunity. THE EMBASSY THEN FORWARDS THE CERTIFICATES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS TO APPLICANTS UPON RECEIPT. Recently, Ghana held a mass ceremony in which 126 African-Americans and Afro-Caribbeans took Ghanaian nationality as part of the countrys Year of Return marking 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in North America. In the 1800s many were sent to South Africa to work on theplantations as indentured servants (manyinvoluntarily and onlife contracts). PHOTOCOPY OF NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATE. Also in attendance were Rocky Dawuni, a Grammy-nominated Ghanaian musician, and AJ Akua Johnson, a Hollywood actress who is now a Ghanaian citizen. Instead, the government of India decided to grant the status of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) as a way to tap in their diaspora. An application letter addressed to the Minister for the interior applying for Right of Abode. WebThe prestige of Western and EU citizenship is more striking when we consider its extraterritorial value and the recognition these passports receive in other countries. Based on this evidence, how can we not be of both continents? So far, Ghana is the only country that legally allows for dual citizenship for African-Americans. WebFor example, during the 2019 Year of Return 126 African diaspora were granted citizenship. It was an honor and a gift to meet you @president_abo and @sylviabongo Thank you for the wonderful reception and for giving me such a warm welcome to Gabon! Today, roughly 3,000 American expatriates live in Ghana. Weve had a minute to get this right.. We then explore the cases of Senegal, Ghana, and Kenya, finding that dual citizenship policies are driven as much by politics as they are by economic or security concerns. If I am allowed to become a citizen in Africa I will never go back to America. ABC News' Kendall Ross, Steve Osunsami and Catherine Thorbecke to this report. 3. Keep up with developments and emerging industries in Africa. P. O. Travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic havent chilled interest, said Maurice Cheetham, who runs a tour company in Accra. Indias diaspora is widespread and includes many Indians living abroad that have been in foreign land for generations. WebGhana recognizes Dual Citizenship for the Involuntary African Diaspora. Viola Ford Fletcher, 108, and Hughes Van Ellis, 102, are the oldest African Americans to be granted citizenship in Ghana. Newly included 44 countries are Fiji, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Ghana, Rwanda, Burundi, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Libya, Congo, Liberia, Central African Republic, Eretria, Gambia, Botswana, Mauritius, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Surinam, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Chili, Uruguay, Guyana, Cuba, Let me bring you greetings from the Republic of Ghana, Mohammed said. I would love to become a citizen in Africa. Queen Mother and uncle, you are more than beautiful. It is a privilege to be in your presence this morning.. Their benefits include: life long multiple entry, multiple purpose visas, exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India; and the right to work, study, visit, or own property (except in the acquisition ofcertain agricultural or plantation properties). The two survivors Viola Fletcher, 108, and her brother Hughes Van Ellis, 102 sat in golden print robes in the front row at the ceremony, where they were serenaded with drumming, dancing and a ballad: Welcome home. Like in the case of African-Americans, many Indians living abroad aremany generations removed from India. My Dad and Grandpa would be proud. Africa leaders SOLD their fellow Africans to the Europeans. However there is a separate fee of 100 GHC which is paid upon the completion of the Fletcher and Ellis visited Ghana in 2021, on the centennial of the massacre, one of the worst incidents of racist terror violence committed against Black Americans. As Quartz Africa has previously reported, throughout 2019, Ghana has been hosting a raft of activities, at home and abroad, to encourage the descendants of those who were forcibly sent away to return. The cabinet approved a proposal on the matter in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office on Monday, according to BSS. WebRegistration as Ghanaian Citizen Requirements NB: Applicant should reside in the country for at least Five (5) years Purchase Application Form (Form 3) at the Ministry of the Interior Copy of Passport (Bio Data Page) Current OR Indefinite Residence Permit page Copy of (Spouse) Ghanaian Passport (Bio-data page) Consent letter from Spouse 18555 (Vodafone / MTN Toll free), Ghana National Fire Service: 192 In June, the president embarked on a five-nation tour of the Caribbean to promote the initiative. She can work anywhere with an Internet connection and has tucked away savings from her time in corporate America, where a manager once said her natural hair was inappropriate for the workplace. If there is to be any dual citizenship, what I would propose,is to take the route of India. Requirements An application letter addressed to the Minister for the interior applying for Right of Abode Bangladeshi nationals now are legally allowed to obtain dual-citizenship of 101 countries. You are an African when Africa is born in you., When we talk about the diaspora, we talk about remembering folks that have been spread far and wide from their motherland, Goodwin told the crowd during the ceremony. - CON: Complicated, time-consuming procedures Africans of the Diaspora need to learn the languages and customs of Africa so that they can more easily integrate into African societies. What are you talking about! The 19 countries in Africa are Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Ghana, Rwanda, Burundi, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Libya, Congo, Liberia, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Botswana and Mauritius. In the sense ofnationbranding, it would make Africans appear warm, friendly, accepting and sympathetic towards the history of African-Americans. Also, if they can help Africans learn the Africa First concept that leads to less corrupt leaders, then having dedicated AAs who want to help work towards progress should not be considered a bad thing. Living through a pandemic when your access to water is difficult. "The Justice for Greenwood Foundation was proud to stand in solidarity with the survivors, celebrating their resilience and their contribution to the history of Black Oklahoma," the organization wrote on Facebook. She has felt pulled toward the region for years. Parker had never felt so trapped in the United States. Lunchtable, Travel Noire, World Hue, Entrepreneurship, Black Entrepreneurs Abroad, Culture, Fayida Jailer, Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for BET, American Woman Kidnapped by Family and Allegedly Forced to marry for A $500K Dowry, Going on a Cruise Vacation? Even for the non-celebrities, people with dual citizenship can influence their families, churches, employers etc.. to invest, visitor work with a particular country. Not everyone feels welcome: A colonial-era law still criminalizes homosexuality. Despite many calls from African Americans to have dual citizenship offered to them, many African countries have not taken any extra steps towards this other than encouraging such a move. homeland. In cases where the application does not meet the requirement, the application is sent back to applicant to meet all the requirements. It isnt like that in Ghana, she said. Queens & Kings of Afrika by the African People of Love. During a family trip to Gabon, Ludacris wife Euxodie surprised her husband, by Certified Africa. Individuals can also apply for Ghanaian citizenship if they have contributed in any documented area that promotes national interest. They are the oldest African Americans to be granted citizenship in Ghana. African nations need to become more magnanimous towards Africans of the Diaspora. Minister WebDuring the Fifth AfricanAfrican American Summit which took place in Ghana in 1999, dual citizenship and the Right of Abode were high on the agenda (cf. Please let me in. This year marks 400 years since the anchoring of an English ship in Jamestown, Virginia in the United States carrying a small group of enslaved Africans. Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. They lived to tell the story, he said. As a celebrity, she has helpedbolster the image ofSouth Africa through her link with the school. P. O. During the eight-day journey, Fletcher and Ellis attended more than 19 events, according to Our Black Truth spokesperson Tony Regusters. NB: THE GHANAIAN PARENT MUST HAVE A VALID GHANAIAN PASSPORT FOR THE CHILD TO BE ELIGIBLE. Essien, Kwame. Where we dont have to worry about our sons getting pulled over.. Well help you build a life here. "There wasn't anything to come back to," she told ABC News last year. Accra-Ghana, Front Desk: No matter how so-called REMOVED African-Americans are from our ancestors who crossed that ocean through no fault of their own, to even convey that statement is an abomination. We want to experience that. He thought the independence of Ghana was meaningless without the total liberation of people of African descent everywhere in the world, said Kevin Gaines, a professor of civil rights and justice at the University of Virginia. Shes eyeing a plot near Kumasi, the capital of the southern Ashanti region. You say that you believe every African-American should learn to speak a native language in order to gain citizenship. (Toll free for all Networks), 0299340383, National Disaster Management Organization: 0299350030, The Hon. Bynum, who led the effort to help find missing Tulsa victims, told ABC News last year, before adding that he is opposed to levying a tax on this generation of Tulsans who are at no fault.. APPLICANT NEEDS PURCHASES APPLICATION FORM ($250.00 FORM IS NOT FREE). The Ohio mother of five says she doesnt feel safe in the United States. Some of us are tired, Reese said. is utterly absurd and highly insensitive. Six (6) months after report on due diligence has been submitted by the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service: 191 The U.S. State Department refused to renew his passport while he was living there, so Du Bois chose to naturalize as a citizen of Ghana in 1963. Her credit was good why did that bank deny her a loan? They visited the dungeon at Osu Castle, where thousands of Africans were held captive before being shipped across the Atlantic into enslavement. Peace, knowledge and understanding. WebGHANA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS All persons entering Ghana must be in possession of a valid passport or Travel Document establishing the identity of the holder. The most valuable possession that was taken away from us was our identity and our connection; it was like severing the umbilical cord But tonight, our identity, the dignity, the pride that has been absent is restored here, Rabbi Kohain, who spoke on behalf of the new citizens said.