Stevie Wonder Becomes Ghanaian Citizen on His 74th Birthday

By Kofi Quaye

Stevie Wonder, the legendary American musician, has officially become a citizen of Ghana. On Monday, May 13, Wonder’s 74th birthday, President Nana Akufo-Addo granted him citizenship in a ceremony at the presidential palace. The celebration included the presentation of a citizenship certificate and a birthday cake adorned with the Ghanaian flag.

“This is it, congratulations!” President Akufo-Addo declared as he handed the certificate to a jubilant Wonder. Speaking to the BBC, Wonder described the moment as an “amazing thing.”

Born in Michigan, USA, Wonder has long felt a deep connection to Ghana. In 1975, at the height of his career, he expressed a desire to move to the West African nation, believing his ancestry could be traced there. Although he continued his music career in the US, Wonder’s visits to Ghana in the 1990s and his writing of the album “Conversation Peace” in the country further cemented his bond.

In a BBC interview three years ago, Wonder announced plans to relocate to Ghana to escape racial injustice in the US. His affection for Ghana grew from the people he met, including a memorable encounter with the late President Jerry Rawlings, who allowed Wonder to co-pilot a flight across the country.

Accompanied by his family and wearing a kente cloth scarf, Wonder was clearly thrilled at the ceremony. Ghana, known for its pan-Africanism, has a history of welcoming African-American icons, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali.

In 2001, Ghana became the first African nation to grant the descendants of Africans the right to stay without renewing visas or work permits. The 2019 “Year of Return” initiative further encouraged diaspora Africans to relocate to Ghana, resulting in over 300 new citizens.

Ghana’s interior ministry praised Wonder’s citizenship as a milestone in attracting diaspora Africans and recognizing their contributions. Wonder aims to create job opportunities for Ghana’s youth, who constitute 38% of the population. “The youngest generation is in Africa. We need to begin to think about how their greatness can shine,” he stated.