President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has conferred Ghanaian citizenship on the legendary American musician and songwriter, Stevie Wonder. The ceremony took place at the Jubilee House, the seat of the nation’s presidency.
The singer, who is currently in Ghana with his family, will now hold dual citizenship of both the United States and Ghana.
During the brief ceremony, an evidently moved Stevie Wonder expressed his delight at the honour bestowed upon him.
President Akufo-Addo, in his remarks, praised him for his immense contributions to music and his humanitarian work. “Stevie Wonder is not just an extraordinary musician, but also a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for social justice. We are proud to call him a son of Ghana,” the President said.
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Joy and celebration have greeted the news of the singer’s Ghanaian citizenship, both in Ghana and abroad.
Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins, is one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century. Known for hits like ‘Superstition’, ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You,’ and ‘Isn’t She Lovely,’ Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million records worldwide.
This move is expected to further enhance Ghana’s reputation as a hub for African diaspora and its commitment to Pan-Africanism.
As a newly minted Ghanaian citizen, he joins a growing list of African American celebrities who have been granted Ghanaian citizenship in recent years.
Some of them include Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Tina-Knowles Lawson, Rosario Dawson, and Steve Harvey.
Stevie Wonder has made significant contributions to various humanitarian causes throughout his career. In 2009, they designated him as a Messenger of Peace with a focus on persons with disabilities.
He has also written, produced, or performed songs for charities in support of disabilities, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hunger and homelessness, domestic abuse, and other causes on behalf of children and adults.
Stevie’s charity organization, The Wonder Foundation, received all proceeds from the ‘Shelter In The Rain’ single to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
🌐Famous American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder has officially become a citizen of Ghana after receiving his Certificate of Citizenship.
He’s currently in the West African nation.
^Golden Stool, M.anifest, #Dubai; Follow @GlobaGlimpse pic.twitter.com/T87tVxySFV
— 🌐GlobalGlimpse (@GlobaGlimpse) May 13, 2024
President Akufo-Addo has conferred Ghanaian citizenship status on renowned American musician and songwriter Stevie Wonder.
Stevie Wonder, who is in Ghana with his family, will hold dual citizenship of both America and Ghana.
At a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House, Stevie… pic.twitter.com/XSSKU0qxuj
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) May 13, 2024
