Ghana has paused its citizenship application process for people of African descent, also called historical diasporans, to review and improve the system.
The Ministry of the Interior, working with the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President (DAOOP), announced the temporary stop to new applications under the special citizenship program.
The program was created for people whose ancestors were taken from Africa many years ago. It allows them to apply for Ghanaian citizenship, as part of the country’s call for people in the diaspora to return and reconnect.
Officials said the pause will give them time to review the rules and make the process easier and fairer for applicants.
They stressed that the program has not been cancelled. It has only been delayed, and new dates and guidelines will be announced soon.
Some applicants had raised concerns about the process. One major issue was a rule that required applicants to submit DNA proof of African ancestry within one week of applying.
Speaking to the BBC, Dr Erieka Bennet, an ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, said many applicants found this requirement too difficult. She said one week was not enough time for most people, and some also questioned how reliable DNA tests are.
The cost of the process was another concern. Applicants pay a $136 application fee, and those who are shortlisted must pay an additional $2,280.
The government says it is still committed to welcoming people from the global African family. According to officials, the pause is meant to ensure the citizenship process is smoother and better when it resumes.