Legendary singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder was granted Ghanaian citizenship by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo earlier this week.
During the ceremony at Jubilee House, the musical icon, flanked by his family, took the oath of allegiance, and received a certificate and his Ghanian passport.
“This is where I need to be,” said Stevie after receiving his decree.
‘This is where I need to be’
Stevie Wonder had been praising Ghana and reinforcing his links with Africa since the 1970s both through his music as well as in interviews.
Yesterday, he was granted Ghanaian citizenship in an emotional ceremony held in Accra. pic.twitter.com/tDffoSmwHp
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) May 14, 2024
The musical superstar was also presented with a birthday cake with a Ghanaian flag iced on, the BBC reported.
On Monday, the legal counsel to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Stevie had taken the Oath of Allegiance at the presidential office in Accra.
“Stevie Wonder is officially Ghanaian. He has just taken the Oath of Allegiance and received the Certificate of Citizenship by Registration at Jubilee House. Congratulations, Sir and welcome to Ghana,” wrote Kow Essuman.
Stevie Wonder, the latest Ghanaian. Welcome to #Ghana ?? and Happy Birthday. Ghanaian citizenship on your birthday. When Heaven smiles on a legend … pic.twitter.com/9QkmtSOOwV
— Kow Essuman (@kaessuman) May 13, 2024
Wonder was warmly welcomed by locals when he arrived on Monday and joined in on the merriment.
@beyondthereturn Legendary musician, Stevie Wonder has arrived in Ghana!! This is not his first visit, but it’s been a long time since he has been here. We’re excited to have greeted him and extend the warmest wishes for his time in Ghana!! Akwaaba @steviewonderoficial ___________________ Beyond the Return is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A decade of African Renaissance’ The office operates under @ghanatourismauthority and has a foundation of 7 pillars. >Experience Ghana >Celebrate Ghana >Diaspora Pathways to Ghana >Invest in Ghana >Give Back Ghana >Brand Ghana >Promote Pan African Heritage & Innovation Learn more on our website www.beyondthereturngh.com #beyondthereturn #Ghana #celebrateGhana #Africa #culture #diaspora #experienceghana #panafrican #travelghana #travelAfrica ♬ original sound – Beyond the Return
He also received a few birthday gifts.
@blacvolta The birthday celebrations continue for Stevie Wonder as he celebrates his 74th birthday in Ghana ?? The team from @chocolateclothesglobal and @emyafrica presented him with some Ghanaian-made attire and perfumes on his birthday. Chocolate Global, through its subsidiary company Cacau, recently sealed a huge deal to become the apparel partner for the Basketball Africa League. ? #blacvolta #blacvoltaparty #steviewonder #ghanatiktok ♬ Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
Born Stevland Hardaway Morris in Michigan, the US citizen, has long spoken of his affinity for the country, more so recently in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Stevie told the talk show host his decision to move to the West African country springs from his “desire for a brighter future amidst political turmoil in the US, “ Pulse Ghana reported.
Stevie, globally known for timeless hits, like Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely and I Just Called to Say I Love You, among others, became blind shortly after his birth.
Words: Fame Frenzy
