Ghana’s GH¢25,000 Diaspora Citizenship Fee Sparks Fresh Debate Over DNA Tests and Right to Return
A Ghanaian academic has criticised a GH¢25,000 charge and DNA requirements for historic-diaspora citizenship applicants. But has Ghana actually made DNA testing mandatory? Nukunya examines the changing rules, reported fees and growing competition from Benin.
A University of Ghana professor has warned that costly citizenship requirements could drive African diaspora returnees towards Benin. But a closer examination of Ghana’s changing rules reveals an important distinction between application fees and DNA testing, with questions remaining over the requirements currently in force.
ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana’s citizenship programme for members of the historic African diaspora has come under renewed criticism after University of Ghana academic Professor Ọbádélé Bakari Kambon warned that expensive application requirements could discourage people seeking to settle permanently in the country.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Kambon criticised a GH¢25,000 charge and the introduction of DNA ancestry testing, arguing that the requirements undermined Ghana’s commitment to welcoming descendants of Africans displaced by the transatlantic slave trade.
He warned that countries such as Benin could become more attractive destinations for prospective returnees if Ghana failed to make its citizenship pathway accessible.
However, the controversy involves two distinct issues: a substantial citizenship application fee and a DNA evidence requirement introduced earlier in the year.
The available evidence does not establish that applicants currently have to pay GH¢25,000 specifically for a DNA test.
An independent analysis by the Migration Policy Institute states that the DNA requirement was removed when Ghana’s historic-diaspora citizenship process resumed following a temporary suspension.
The latest criticism therefore raises a wider question about the affordability and transparency of Ghana’s citizenship policy, rather than establishing that the original DNA requirement remains in force.
What did Professor Kambon say?
Kambon, a professor of African Studies at the University of Ghana, criticised what he regarded as excessive financial and administrative barriers for members of the historic diaspora.
During his television appearance, he contrasted Ghana’s approach with Benin’s citizenship initiative for descendants of enslaved Africans.
He argued that Ghana risked losing prospective returnees if applicants faced high fees, demanding documentation requirements and short deadlines.
Kambon also referred to President John Dramani Mahama’s comments about the right of members of the historic diaspora to return to Africa. His central argument was that a programme presented as a form of historical reconnection should not become financially inaccessible to the people it seeks to welcome.
These are Kambon’s views, not an official determination that Ghana’s citizenship requirements are unlawful. The government has previously maintained that its diaspora citizenship initiative is intended to strengthen connections with the global African community.
Ghana’s Diaspora Citizenship: Fees and Policy Tracker
Explore reported fee changes, the DNA-testing controversy and outstanding questions about the application process.
How much did the reported fee increase?
This comparison relates to the historic-diaspora citizenship pathway. It does not establish current fees for all citizenship categories or the price of DNA testing.
Interactive: application-fee scenarios
Increase compared with the earlier fee: GH¢22,500 per application.
Historical reported figures, not a current fee quotation. Other expenses and charges are excluded.
What happened to the DNA requirement?
DNA ancestry evidence and a GH¢25,000 application fee attracted criticism.
Authorities paused the programme to review its administration.
Applicants were subsequently invited for assessment in batches.
The Migration Policy Institute reported that the DNA requirement had been removed.
Applicants should confirm the latest checklist and fees directly with the Ministry of the Interior.
Applications and citizenship recipients
150 divided by 3,000 equals 5%. This is only a comparison of two reported figures. It is not the final approval rate, refusal rate or percentage of applications processed.
Interactive: explore the key questions
DNA testing
Later reporting indicates that the earlier DNA requirement was removed. Applicants still need to confirm the current official checklist for their specific pathway.
Five questions for the authorities
What is the current official application fee?
A consolidated, current government fee schedule is needed to confirm the amount payable and what it covers.
Is ancestry DNA evidence required?
Later reporting indicates removal of the earlier requirement, but applicants should obtain the current official checklist.
Are additional charges payable?
Applicants need confirmation of any fees after registration, shortlisting or vetting.
How long does processing take?
The supplied reporting does not establish a reliable current processing-time standard.
Can an unsuccessful decision be reviewed?
The applicable review or appeal arrangements should be confirmed with the responsible authority.
Citizenship access requires transparent rules
The debate is about more than the cost of an application. It concerns the accessibility, fairness and consistency of Ghana’s approach to reconnecting with the historic African diaspora.
Clear eligibility rules, published fees and transparent decision-making are essential to public confidence.
Sources: Ministry of the Interior, Migration Policy Institute and Ghanaian media reporting as attributed in the accompanying article. Historical editorial snapshot; not official immigration or legal advice.
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