Some 524 African diasporans were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday.

The new citizens, who took the oath of allegiance administered by a Court of Appeal Justice, are the latest group to benefit from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government initiative aimed at reconnecting the African diaspora with their ancestral roots.

The event is the third such ceremony under the administration and follows the “Year of Return” initiative in 2019, marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were taken to the Americas.

President Akufo-Addo called the ceremony a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the African diaspora.

He encouraged the new citizens to view their new status not just as holding a passport but as embracing the values of respect, equity, and peace—principles that define the Ghanaian people.

The President acknowledged the historical importance of the event, stating, “Your ancestors left these shores in tragic and inhumane circumstances. Today, we embrace you as part of the Ghanaian family.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that the new citizens would play an essential role in Ghana’s development, bringing diverse skills and experiences that could contribute to sectors like education, healthcare, technology, and the arts.

He praised the diaspora’s role in challenging global misconceptions about Africa, noting their potential to foster unity and pride.

“You are human bridges connecting us across the Atlantic,” he said.

Minister of the Interior, Henry Quartey, said that the granting of citizenship aligned with Ghana’s long-standing Pan-African ideals, a tradition rooted in the vision of figures like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and George Padmore.

He noted that the effort also tied into the broader Diaspora Engagement Policy, which supports both Ghanaians and members of the African diaspora.

Rabbi Helevi Kohien, Executive Secretary of the African Diaspora Community, expressed gratitude on behalf of the new citizens, thanking President Akufo-Addo for his dedication to making the event a success.