Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has attended a swearing-in ceremony for newly admitted Ghanaian citizens who took the Oath of Allegiance at an event organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency.

The ceremony was overseen by the Director of the office, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior, led by Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.

| Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (R)

According to the vice president, the event highlights Ghana’s recognition of the diaspora as the country’s “17th Region” and represents an important step in strengthening ties between Ghana and Africans across the world.

Welcoming the new citizens, Prof Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana remains a home for the global African family.

She also acknowledged the historical legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, noting that its painful history is preserved in places such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle.

The vice president said while the slave trade represents one of humanity’s greatest injustices, the citizenship ceremony symbolises reconciliation, reconnection and healing.

She added that the event reflects the vision of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who advocated for a united Africa.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang also commended the diaspora for its contributions to Ghana’s development and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement through institutional frameworks.

She encouraged the new citizens to embrace their Ghanaian nationality with pride and responsibility, stressing that citizenship represents both belonging and a call to service.