Leaders of several Black and African Historic Diasporan groups in Ghana are calling for a boycott of the country’s new citizenship rules following an emergency meeting held on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The meeting took place at the Institute of African Studies, Kwame Nkrumah, and was streamed live online. It was organized by the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) and Decade of Our Repatriation (D.O.O.R.), along with other Diasporan led organizations.
Groups present included the Rastafari Council of Ghana, Ghana Caribbean Association, PANAFEST, Jamaican Affairs, Marcus Mosiah Garvey Foundation, Central Region African Ascendants Association of Ghana, and several others.
New Requirements for Ghana Citizenship Passport Include:
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
- A completed application forms
- Birth certificate or valid passport
- Proof of legal residence in Ghana (two-year residence permit)
- Police clearance from Ghana and the applicant’s home country
- Fees: application fee of 25,000 and administration fee of 1,500
- Proof of DNA to support Ghanaian descent
After reviewing the new citizenship rules, the groups agreed to call for a boycott of the process as it is currently outlined.
Their concerns focus on three main areas:
- A $2,500 citizenship fee.
- Longer residency requirements.
- DNA or blood test requirement.
According to the leaders, the fee issue is not about affordability. They stressed that many Historic Diasporans can pay the amount. Instead, they said the sharp increase acts like a punishment aimed at one group, especially since there has been no change in the process itself.
They also said the DNA requirement was a breaking point. According to the leaders, descendants of enslaved Africans often cannot trace their bloodlines because slavery destroyed names, records, and family histories. Requiring biological proof, they said, creates a barrier that many cannot realistically meet.
Some leaders compared the rule to old exclusion laws that appeared neutral but were designed to block access.
The meeting also raised concern about the lack of consultation with Historic Diasporan leaders before the policy was announced. Participants said the new rules go against Ghana’s long-standing message of “come home,” repatriation, and restoration of birthright.
As part of the boycott, leaders are urging community members not to apply for citizenship under the new rules. They say the pause will remain until the criteria are reviewed, revised, and openly discussed with Historic Diasporan leadership.
The Organizations involved said they will continue holding town halls, press briefings, and information sessions to keep the community informed.
They also advised Diasporans to slow down, ask questions, and avoid making permanent decisions until there is clarity and direct engagement on the policy.