The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has conferred Ghanaian citizenship on American musician and songwriter, Steveland Morris, popularly known as Stevie Wonder at a ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra.
Akufo-Addo disclosed this on his official X handle on Tuesday, May 14.
President Akufo-Addo praised Stevie Wonder for his outstanding contributions to music and his unrelenting dedication to the African diaspora.
He is credited as a pioneer and influence by musicians across a range of genres that include R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz.
Akufo-Addo emphasised that Stevie Wonder’s music has been a source of inspiration to generations of Ghanaians and Africans worldwide and that his visit to Ghana would help to strengthen the ties between Africa and its diaspora.
“In conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon Stevie Wonder, we not only extend our warmest embrace to a beloved son of Africa, but also reaffirm our belief in the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and the global African family, and the boundless potential of our continent and all its descendants.”
Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Hon. Henry Quartey in his remarks, commended the President for championing the Year of Return initiative which has so far culminated in the registration of 252 individuals from Africa-American and Caribbean Diasporan Communities as Ghanaians.
Stevie Wonder, who has 25 Grammy Awards expressed deep gratitude, joy and honour bestowed upon him.
According to him, he has been drawn to Ghana’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality and he was thrilled to now call himself a Ghanaian citizen.
The event marked a significant moment in Ghana’s efforts to engage with its diaspora counterparts and recognise their outstanding contributions to the African diaspora. It is expected to inspire further collaboration and exchange between Ghana and the African diaspora, and cement Ghana’s position as a hub for African cultural and intellectual excellence.
The President cited a personal favourite and oft-cited statement of the famous Jamaican reggae star, Peter Tosh, who once said, quite rightly, “don’t care where you come from, as long as you’re a black man, you’re an African.”
