The Legendary American singer, Stevie Wonder, has officially received his Ghanaian citizenship to enable him to hold dual citizenship of the United States of America and Ghana.
The Ghanaian citizenship was conferred on him by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at a colourful ceremony held at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.
President Akufo-Addo was full of praise for Mr Wonder for his decision to naturalise as a Ghanaian and expressed the gratitude of the whole country to him for his contribution towards the African continent through his art.
The President said “By conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon him, we not only recognize his immense talent and achievements, but also acknowledge his deep connection to the African continent, and his tireless efforts to promote unity, solidarity and cultural exchanges among all peoples of African descent. His decision to become a citizen of Ghana is a testament to his profound respect and admiration for our nation’s history, culture and values”.
He explained that by this feat, Mr Wonder had joined several generations of African diasporans, whose work had helped shape the continent.
“Stevie Wonder’s name is synonymous with creativity and the transformative power of music. Throughout his illustrious career, spanning over six decades, he has not only captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world with his soulful melodies and unparalleled talent, but has also used his platform to champion social justice, equality and human rights,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo further stated that “From his timeless classics, that have become anthems of hope and inspiration, to his tireless advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities, Stevie Wonder has touched the lives of countless individuals, and left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.”
He also called on Ghanaians to draw inspiration from the gesture of Mr Wonder stressing that “As we welcome Stevie Wonder into the Ghanaian family, let us draw inspiration from his legacy, and strive to build a future where creativity flourishes, diversity is celebrated, and the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood transcend all differences.”
The President said conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon Stevie Wonder, not only extended Ghana’s warmest embrace to a beloved son of Africa, but also reaffirmed the country’s belief in the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and the global African family.
“Today’s ceremony brings starkly to mind a 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,” he said.
Steve Wonder on his part expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian government for the gesture, adding that it was a beginning of a new chapter for him and his family.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
