Founder of the Pan African Heritage Museum (PAHM), Kojo Yankah, has welcomed American musician and songwriter Stevie Wonder to Ghana after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo conferred citizenship status on him.
In a Post on his Facebook page, Mr Yankah said “The Pan African Dream is REAL. You are welcome to Ghanaian Citizenship, Stevie Wonder”
Stevie Wonder who is in Ghana with his family will hold both his American citizen and that of Ghana.
At a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House on Monday May 13, Mr. Wonder expressed delight at the honor done him.
In his address, the President said I am glad he has decided to make Ghana his home, and thereby, join several generations of African diasporans, who committed their lives to us
– missionaries, policemen, lawyers, doctors, health workers, writers, artists, musicians, and the likes of George Padmore, close associate of our first President, Kwame Nkrumah; Bob Marley’s widow, Rita, who has found a home with us in Aburi; Maya Angelou, a contemporary of mine at the University of Ghana, Legon, the celebrated writer, who spent a
considerable part of her youth with us; and W.E.B du Bois, the great scholar, who also found a home in Ghana, and is buried here.
“Stevie Wonder’s name is synonymous with creativity and the transformative power of music. Throughout his illustrious career, spanning over six (6) decades, he has not only captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world with his soulful melodies and
unparalleled talent, but has also used his platform to champion social
justice, equality and human rights. From his timeless classics, that have become anthems of hope and inspiration, to his tireless advocacy for the rights of persons with
disabilities, Stevie Wonder has touched the lives of countless individuals, and left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
By conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon him, the president said “we not only recognize his immense talent and achievements, but also acknowledge his deep connection to the African continent, and his tireless efforts to promote unity, solidarity and cultural exchanges among all peoples of African descent. His decision to become a citizen of Ghana is a testament to his profound respect and admiration for our nation’s history, culture and values.
“As we welcome Stevie Wonder into the Ghanaian family, let us draw inspiration from his legacy, and strive to build a future where creativity flourishes, diversity is celebrated, and the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood transcend all differences. His welcome represents a vivid manifestation of the goals of the Year of Return, which we commemorated, in 2019, as a bridge between the African peoples on both sides of the Atlantic.
“In conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon Stevie Wonder, we not only extend our warmest embrace to a beloved son of Africa, but also reaffirm our belief in the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and the global African family, and the boundless potential of our continent and all its descendants.”
The president said that today’s ceremony brings starkly to mind a favourite and oft-cited statement of the famous Jamaican reggae star, Peter Tosh, who once said, quite rightly, “don’t care where you come from, as long as you’re a black man, you’re an African.”
“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I extend to you, Mr. Stevie Wonder, our heartfelt congratulations and warmest welcome as a citizen of our beloved nation. May your journey as a Ghanaian be filled with joy, fulfillment, and the rich blessings of our common ancestors. May God continue to bless Stevie Wonder, and us all, and may God bless
Mother Africa and our homeland Ghana, and make them great and strong.”
The post The Pan African dream is real; you’re welcome to Ghanaian Citizenship – Yankah tells Stevie Wonder first appeared on 3News.
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