The Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere-Darko, says Ghana is seeing a surge in interest from people abroad seeking Ghanaian citizenship, a development he believes reflects the country’s growing global appeal.
According to him, the enthusiasm from members of the diaspora and people around the world is a strong signal that Ghana is gaining renewed international attention as the country celebrates its 69th independence anniversary and begins looking ahead to its 70th milestone.
“There’s so much enthusiasm. We’re gradually inching into the 70th anniversary,” he said in an interview with JoyNews on March 6. “It is a very big flex to be Ghanaian.”
Kofi Okyere-Darko, popularly known as KOD, explained that his office has been receiving increasing inquiries about Ghanaian citizenship, including from people who do not qualify under the current historic diaspora programme.
He said the programme is designed specifically for people of African descent whose ancestors were forcibly taken from the continent through the transatlantic slave trade.
“I’m getting quite several people who are not of African origin who want Ghanaian citizenship,” he noted. “And I’m like, no, this is exclusively for people of African origin who were forcefully taken because of slavery.”
The next citizenship confirmation ceremony for members of the historic diaspora is scheduled for Monday, with Ghana’s Vice President expected to lead proceedings.
KOD said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader diaspora engagement agenda aimed at reconnecting descendants of enslaved Africans with their ancestral homeland while encouraging investment and cultural exchange.
He stressed that maintaining Ghana’s positive image globally is crucial as the country prepares for future national milestones.
“Ghana’s looking good out there, and we’re all excited about it. We need to guide and guard that intentionally,” he said.
As part of efforts to deepen engagement with Ghanaians abroad, the Diaspora Affairs Office is planning outreach visits across Europe, beginning with the United Kingdom and France, to interact with diaspora communities and better understand their needs.
The initiative will also target second- and third-generation diaspora members, whom KOD described as critical to Ghana’s present and future development.
“We’re trying hard to make sure they come back and invest,” he said. “Second and third generation diasporas, that’s the present and the future, and we need to intentionally engage them in nation building.”
He also revealed plans to introduce a Diaspora National Service programme, which will allow young people of Ghanaian descent living abroad to spend short periods in the country to experience its culture and institutions.
The programme, he explained, will not mirror the full national service duration but will allow participants to immerse themselves in Ghanaian society and potentially contribute skills acquired abroad.
“When they think about sharing knowledge gained overseas, they should think about Ghana,” he added.
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