Ghana has temporarily put a hold on citizenship applications for people of African descent as the government begins a review of the programme, following widespread criticism that the process is too expensive, complicated, and difficult to navigate.

The citizenship-by-descent initiative was launched in 2016 to allow individuals who can trace their ancestral roots to Africa to apply for Ghanaian citizenship. It was originally created to serve descendants of Africans displaced during the transatlantic slave trade and later became a key part of Ghana’s efforts to reconnect with the global African diaspora.

The programme gained global recognition during Ghana’s “Year of Return” in 2019, which commemorated 400 years since the first documented arrival of enslaved Africans in the Americas. That campaign attracted thousands of visitors, especially from the United States and the Caribbean, and helped position Ghana as a symbolic homeland for people of African heritage seeking to reconnect with their roots.

Since the pathway was introduced, over 1,000 individuals have reportedly been granted Ghanaian citizenship, including prominent figures such as celebrated African American musician Stevie Wonder. Despite its emotional and cultural importance, however, many prospective applicants have expressed frustration with the process.

Common complaints include strict documentation demands, extremely short deadlines, and high application fees. Dr. Erieka Bennet, an ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, which supports Africans in the diaspora interested in relocating to the continent, said the system has proven inaccessible to many people who would otherwise qualify.

Speaking to the BBC, Bennet described the requirement for applicants to submit DNA evidence within one week of starting the application as unrealistic. She explained that delays in DNA testing, international shipping, and verification make it nearly impossible to meet the deadline. She also noted that some applicants have questioned the accuracy and interpretation of DNA test results.

In addition, Bennet criticized the one-week window given to submit other supporting documents, saying it poses serious challenges, particularly for applicants living outside Africa. Cost has also been a major barrier. Applicants are required to pay an initial fee of $136 (£100), and those who are shortlisted must then pay an additional $2,280 (£1,700), an amount critics argue is unaffordable for many members of the diaspora.

Those who successfully make it through the process are vetted, attend a one-day citizenship orientation, and are formally granted Ghanaian citizenship at an official ceremony presided over by President John Mahama.

Announcing the suspension, Ghanaian authorities said the decision was taken to allow for a thorough review of the rules and procedures governing diaspora citizenship applications. The government says it intends to redesign the system to make it clearer, more affordable, and easier to use before reopening applications.

So far, no date has been given for when the revised application process will resume.