More than 200 Afro-Caribbean Diaspora members obtain Ghanaian citizenship

President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, on Nov. 19, in an address to new citizens, underscored his country’s commitment to reconnecting with its diaspora and honoring the enduring bonds between Africa and its global descendants during a swearing-in ceremony to welcome over 200 Afro-Caribbean diasporans at a Ghanian citizenship ceremony in Accra, Ghana.

The president closed his speech with Jamaica’s Peter Tosh’s “Don’t care where you come from, as long as you’re a black man, you’re an African,“ which caused a massive uproar to show the lyrics’ resonation with the audience, especially the Afro-Caribbean attendees.

Malissa Garner, a Guyanese American who recently migrated to the West African nation and founder and CEO of “Events by Malissa,“ expressed excitement in an exclusive interview with Caribbean Life at being among the new citizens along with her father, Joseph Garner and scores of others who have made Ghana their home.  

She said Caribbean Life nationals were among the 524 members of African diasporas who took the Oath of Allegiance in Accra, Ghana, to become citizens of the West African nation.

“The country’s rich heritage and culture were on full display with African attire and live performances, including traditional drumming, dancing, and more. As each certificate was handed out, the atmosphere was filled with mixed emotions, such as joy, tears, and excitement,” said Garner.

She noted that the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku-Mantey, addressed the African Diaspora Community members who swore allegiance as Ghanaian citizens.

“The newly naturalized citizens hailed from diverse regions, including the United States, Europe, and many Caribbean nations. Among them were persons over 80 who wanted to be sure to leave a proud legacy. Within the young adults, ages 18 to 25, Jamaican Canadian Keondra Tomlinson-Gayle, was one of the few to receive her naturalization certificate from President Akufo-Addo.“

Tomlinson-Gayle stated, “My 5th great grandmother was captured from Kwahu in the eastern region and brought to Jamaica in the early 1800s,” which gave her the urge to make the journey to Ghana and later assured her (Gayle) that it was a good time and place to call Ghana home.

According to Garner, “Gayle has since established a successful career as DJ “Baby Jamaica“ and recently opened a flagship bubble tea store, Sip-N-Dip, which is in one of the prime areas of Accra, East Legon.“

“There were many reasons why diasporans wanted to obtain their Ghanaian citizenship. Guyanese American Marvin Walker noted, “My reason for wanting to be naturalized is for the simple fact I wanted to be 100% recognized as an African again.“

“Just being in the continent and living here full time only made me 75% African. Now, it has come full circle. My ancestors left on a boat against their will; I have come back of my own free will and brought my bloodline home. That was important to me.“

Walker added, “Those returning from the diaspora are bringing various skills, from healthcare to customer service and everything in between. Some of us are also learning new skills like I am. I’ve become a real estate developer and never imagined that my life would take this trajectory. “

Walker is building a private resort & residence in Ada called Shark Island.

Many made this ceremony a family affair. 70-year-old Joseph Garner, from Guyana, first visited Ghana to learn why his daughter Malissa Garner loved Ghana so much. He stated, “There is something about this land that reminds me of back home, and today’s celebration is not just about citizenship; it’s about identity, legacy, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the motherland.“

Malissa has made it her mission to assist the Afro-Caribbean and other diasporans in connecting and bridging the gap with the local Ghanaians. Like many diasporans making their way to Ghana, she acknowledges that their presence can be viewed as both welcoming and challenging by the natives. With her international event planning and consulting business, Events by Malissa, she continues to aid more diasporans looking to explore, relocate, and do business in Ghana.

This year’s ceremony is the third largest in Ghana, and it is all within the current president’s term. In late 2018, President Nana Akufo-Addo launched the “Year of Return“ campaign, which will begin the following year.

The year 2019 would mark 400 years since the first slave ship landed in America. He acknowledges the wrong that was done in the past and the future to correct it by showing gratitude to the diasporans who have and continue to make a difference for all Africans. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connections between Africa and its diaspora and the potential for collaboration to foster development and progress.

She said the first mass citizenship ceremonies were in 2019, part of the “Year of Return,” and 2022, part of the “Beyond the Return“ initiative. Both produced about 126 new naturalized citizens. The current count of 524 is more than double the previous two, which is a clear indication of the continued mass influx of diaspora globally.

“One can say a major reason for many to gravitate to Ghanaian citizenship, like many other African countries, is that it also allows dual citizenship, so the diasporans are not forced to relinquish their previous citizenship.

“The day marked a profound step forward in healing historical wounds and bridging the gap between Ghana, Africa, and the African Diaspora community globally, said Garner.