ya girl is officially a dual citizen
can we say two passports?!?!
LET’S GO! These were the exact words that I screamed once found out that my application to become a citizen of Ghana was approved! As of this here demonic 2020, I am officially a dual Ghana/US citizen, and could not be prouder to rep both countries! Even though I joke (and perhaps even brag) about the enhanced global mobility that comes with having two passports, this citizenship is so much more than a flex! To me, being a dual citizen (finally) gives me the chance to openly, honestly, and authentically claim two distinct cultures that I’ve learned to identify with over the years. Growing up as a first gen kid, I constantly felt like I had to choose between being American or Ghanaian. Now, instead of having to choose between one or the other, I feel like I can be both at the same time, which solves a lot of my identity issues :-)
did you catch my latest video?
Earlier this week I dropped a YouTube video explaining why I chose to go about this process. Check it out and subscribe to my YouTube Travel channel to catch new videos when they drop!
warning: tough roads ahead
Applying for dual citizenship is not for the weak. Any foreign immigration or citizenship process requires a lot of patience, trust, and faith in a foreign government’s bureaucracy. Often times, you and your personal history will be scrutinized intensely, and you will have little insight into the process. You may not know where your application stands, or why certain rulings or decisions were made by said government, which is why I have so much respect for immigrants, refugees, expats, and anyone who opts go about these kinds of lifestyle changes; this sh!t ain’t for the weak.
I am always down to support other travelers in their pursuit of flyness. So, naturally, I will recommend and advocate for any first gen kids, or just descendants of foreign ancestry, to consider applying for citizenship if that is an option for you. Not only can having additional citizenship help you feel more connected to your native land, but it can also give you more freedom to travel, which seems to be important now more than ever seeing as how the American passport is virtually worthless.
In most countries, citizenship is more of a birthright, or privilege that you’re entitled to if you’ve immigrated to, lived there for a certain number of years.
back when travel was a thing
So, real talk, this post only applies to first gen kids, or people who can prove that they are one to two generations removed from Ghana. Sorry to exclude y’all. If you are not a direct descendant, don’t fret. Ghana is creating a special category of visas and citizenship for Black people who want to reconnect with their rightful homeland, called a Diaspora Visa. Now, these visa and citizenship options are not available just yet, but they will definitely be the wave once the details get sorted out. Additionally, you can always consider buying citizenship from a foreign country. Even though I know this sounds super impractical, many of these citizenships require you to make (large) investments in real estate, so if you’re ballin out, and you got it like that, don’t let me stop (I personally vote for Malta).
With that being said, I am super excited to discuss my experience applying for Ghanaian citizenship! So, let’s get into it.
my journey to dual citizenship
When I applied for my passport, I did not have to be a citizen of Ghana. I just needed to prove my lineage. However, to become a citizen of Ghana, you need a form of official Ghanaian identification to support your application. This identification can either be yours (ie, a passport), or be your sponsor’s, who, in this case should either be a parent or grandparent who is a Ghanaian citizen. When I went through this process in 2019, I followed these steps and made sure to submit proof of citizenship for both myself and my sponsor. But, these steps may be different in 2020 and onwards, so check before you apply.
Pro Tip: According to the diplomats at the Embassy, it is much easier and much cheaper to apply for citizenship in Ghana proper at the Ministry of the Interior, versus applying from abroad through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (which is what I describe in this post).
I personally started my process in the US and finished it in Accra because I just happened to be going to Ghana, and could submit the paperwork in person. I have no comments on which route is better, but just understand that having to do this process overseas adds an extensive amount of processing time to your application, just by nature of shipping things to/from Ghana.
passport application steps
According to the Ghana Embassy/Consulate websites in the US, you can only apply for a passport if you are currently a Ghanaian citizen. However, as of 2019, there was a law in Ghana that allowed descendants up to two generations removed to apply for a passport, as long as their Ghanaian parent or grandparent sponsors their application. I can’t speak to the validity of this rule now, but that’s how I was able to do this, so I’m assuming it’s still gucci!
When you apply, submit a copy of your current citizenship (passport, birth certificate, residency card, etc), AND your sponsor’s proof of Ghanaian citizenship (Ghana Passport, Birth Certificate, etc). This part is key because you cannot complete the passport application process without a Ghanaian citizen (again, either you or your sponsor).
The application itself is very straightforward, and primarily asks for your name, contact information, occupation, and two credible points of contact in Ghana. It must also be witnessed by someone from a credible occupation (clergy, medical practitioner, lawyer, etc), and signed by two guarantors, so pay close attention to those parts. You can now submit the application online, or print it out and complete it (in black ink only). Once you’ve submitted the application with supporting proofs of citizenship from you and your sponsor, and your passport photos, your application will be processed and you will have to get your biometrics (fingerprints, signature, and retina scan) taken at the Embassy. After that, your passport processing will take at least 10 business days to complete, so good luck! This process was fairly straightforward, compared to the citizenship process, mainly because everything is done in the US.
citizenship application steps
Whew chile. Now, this part is a little bit more involved! Before I talk my sh!t, I will say that my main source of frustration really stems from the Ghana Embassy in DC. They are very particular about when they will allow you to receive and pick up applications. Unlucky for me, I went at the wrong time, so I had to wait for hours. And, on top of that/in true Ghana fashion, the person who had the citizenship application forms wasn’t at the Embassy when I was there, so I had to wait even longer for them to either create or find the form (such nonsense).
FYI, you can only get the Ghana citizenship application at the Embassy, and you must pay the $250 processing fee up front. Don’t get yourself scammed. Make sure you keep your receipt because you may need proof of this later.
The application asks basic questions about your occupation, where you live, and if you have good moral character. Aside from that, there aren’t too many complex steps to go through (like a citizenship test, background checks, police reports etc.). Now, if you are able to get your passport before your citizenship, then you no longer need a sponsor at this stage of the process, because technically your Ghanaian passport will be the main supporting documentation that you will use. However, if you are not able to get a passport, then your sponsor will need to provide proof of citizenship to accompany your application.
things to remember about the Ghana Embassy in DC
If dual citizenship is something that you’re interested in pursuing, just remember to be patient. In all, it took me about nine months to get both my passport (1 month) and citizenship (8 months). My timing, however, was significantly delayed because of COVID-19, and because I (honestly) forgot to check up on my application. Like I legit forgot that I applied for citizenship for a solid four months (I partied a little too hard in Ghana this Christmas). So, your process may not take as long, especially if you stay up to date on things. Even though the passport application is significantly more straightforward than the citizenship process, neither process is streamlined for your efficiency or comfort. So, just be patient and push through it, because trust me it is worth it.
The Ghana Embassy in DC is a mess. As always, things are always easier if you know someone on the inside, so make friends!!! If not, here are my best tips for surviving that experience, because you will have to return multiple times. I myself went twice, and spent a solid 7+ hours there in total.
Arrive early to avoid long lines!!!!
Know when you can go before you show up! Check online to see if you need to make an appointment! If not; make sure you know what time you can show up, because they only allow you to pick up and drop off applications and passports at specific times! Drop offs in the morning, pick ups in the afternoon!
Have all of your documentation (and copies) ready. The embassy does not have a copier, spare pens, or even any table space for you to write things down. So, come with everything that you need ahead of time, including blank sheets of paper, your passport photos (nothing janky), and extra copies of everything that you may need, just in case.
Leave your cell phone in the car because phones are not allowed in the Embassy in DC.
Bring your receipts with you. Did I mention to bring copies?
who’s next?
Hopefully I’ve inspired you to start the path to citizenship! But, let me know. If you’ve been through this process, what was your experience like? If not, are you interested in becoming a dual citizen? Are you going to get your citizenship next?
Don’t forget to let me know what you thought in the comments, and check out my YouTube video about my experience too!
Lastly, I just want to give a special shoutout to my friend Mercy who encouraged me to start this process! Thanks girl!
