This week, as Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ initiative, the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, granted Ghanaian citizenship to Stevland Hardaway Morris, known professionally as Stevie Wonder – legendary American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer.
In a special ceremony held at Jubilee House in Accra, the capital of Ghana , where the musician and his family celebrated his 74th birthday, he was presented with his official citizenship papers, making the artist a dual citizen of both the United States and Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter ) that by granting Stevie Wonder Ghanaian citizenship, the country not only warmly welcomed a cherished African son, but also reaffirmed its commitment to the everlasting essence of Pan-Africanism and the worldwide African community. Additionally, this act symbolizes the limitless possibilities of African continent and all its future generations.
Having grown up in Michigan, Wonder has apparently always had a strong connection with the African nation. In 1975, following the success of his numerous chart-topping albums, the acclaimed artist, who had won a Grammy, openly expressed his desire to step away from the music industry and move to Ghana.
Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ initiative, launched in 2019, includes the granting of citizenship to Stevie Wonder as a significant milestone. This initiative aims to inspire members of the African diaspora to reconnect with their roots by moving back to the continent. Since its introduction, more than 300 individuals have been bestowed with Ghanaian citizenship.